Vital Signs

Tuesday, May 27

Read Acts 17

Due to problems with the program used for this blog, entries will be delayed until problems can be resolved.

Monty

Monday, May 26

Read Acts 16

Friday, May 23

Read Acts 15

Tuesday, May 20

Read Acts 12

I wonder what Peter was thinking as he sat chained between two soldiers. James, the brother of John, had already been put to death. Herod is now planning on executing Peter, as soon as the Passover has ended.

He may have been thinking about all he had experienced in life, especially with Jesus. He may have been thinking about heaven, and thinking that he would soon be there. I doubt he was thinking that he would be saved by a miracle. Like the others that were praying for him, he was surprised by his miraculous delivery.

I do imagine that his faith was resolute. He knew that, whatever might come of his life on earth, his eternity was secure. That kind of faith can help us weather life's storms. This kind of faith is not instant. It is developed over time as we walk with Jesus and experience His work in other, smaller, instances. But then when the times come that try our souls, we can have confidence that Jesus will be there with us. Even as we walk through the valleys.

Monday, May 19

Read Acts 11

Peter follows God's leadership and takes the gospel to Cornelius and other Gentiles (non-Jews). At the same time, other Christians who fled Jerusalem due to the persecution are telling folks they encounter about Jesus, and many of them are converting.

Though it is obvious to us today that God was in these developments, the people of that day had some reservations. The leadership had to come together and seek God and come to an understanding of what God's desire was in this area. After seeking Hid face on the matter, the leaders accepted that God was indeed at work and gave their blessings. (Though we will see other issues arise in coming days related to this same issue.)

God is at work in our world today. the developments and methods in our world are dynamic. Though it may be troublesome to some on the front lines, it is important that we take time to allow folks to come to terms with God's leading as things change. Finding the balance in pressing ahead without leaving those we lead behind is always a delicate balance. But it is a challenge worth taking.

Friday, May 16

Read Acts 10

There are two trivial asides I would like to make prior to the main lesson of today's reading. First, it strikes me as interesting that Luke found it important to include the fact that the men sent to retrieve Peter found his house after "having asked for directions." (verse 17) I guess the point could be made that even when we are on divine quests we may need to ask for directions.

Second, we see that when Peter arrived at Cornelius's home, Cornelius fell on the ground and began to worship Peter. Peter quickly interrupted this action stated He too is "just a man." (verse 26) This is a good reminder to all of us that no matter how important we are, we are not God. We need to always discourage others from thinking too highly of us and putting us on a pedestal. Also, we need to be on guard in our own lives of elevated others to a higher estate than just a man.

Finally, we come to the main point. Peter has a major paradigm shift. Previously he had understood that the gospel message was limited to the Jews. God dramatically enlarges his understanding to see that the gospel is for all people. We need to ask God to remove any limitations that we may have in our own understanding of who is a part of our mission field. Change our understanding to see who You want us to see, O God. Give us a new vision that is larger than what we can see with our own eyes alone.

Thursday, May 15

Read Acts 9

We are all familiar with the account of Saul's conversion while on his way to Damascus. We say about people that have dramatic conversion experiences that their's was a "Pauline conversion." I would like to consider this story through the doctrinal lens of predestination.

Some who favor the doctrine of predestination (God chooses some to be saved and others to be damned) will point to Paul's conversion experience as evidence of predestination. They will say that God will ensure that His elect will be saved. And Paul's story sure does give an example of God's extreme efforts to win someone over, even to the point that they are unable to refuse His divine offer.

The discussion of God's determination verses man's free will does not have an easy answer. We will see opportunities throughout the New Testament to discuss this topic. While I don't expect to settle the issue today, I would like to begin the discussion with a few thoughts for us to consider.

First, only God has a free will. While you and I can make some choices in life, many are determined for us.  The choices we do make are often from a set of limited options. We have a limited free will at best.

Second, scripture does record numerous examples of God seemingly imposing His will on someone. Todays story is a clear example. Others include Pharaoh (who's heart was hardened) and even Judas, who betrayed Christ.

But, scripture also make a strong case for God's love for all mankind and His desire that none should perish. Phrases such as "whosoever will" are not uncommon in scripture.

It seems to me that a God who has a complete free will could choose to impose His will at times while at other times allowing individuals to make their own choices. Why does it have to be either or?

We have the opportunity to partner with God in sharing the good news of salvation through Christ, As a result of our efforts, some people may end up in heaven who might not have otherwise been there. What a wonderful opportunity we have.

Wednesday, May 14

Read Acts 8

After Stephen was stoned to death for his faith in Christ, the scripture records that "Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him." (verse 2) This passage reminded me of a journal entry I made some time back that I would like to share with you today. The entry is dated June 15, 1994.

I recently attended a funeral for a person I did not know. In fact, I had never met her. She was the mother of one of my neighbors. I felt little or no grief during the service. From what was said, she was a wonderful person, and family members and friends wept.

This made me think, "Who will weep at my funeral?" Casual acquaintances will not. Those attending out of duty or respect will not. Business associates won't. Neither will my office furniture or even my gold clubs or fishing equipment.

When my life draws to a close, only those individuals in whom I've invested myself through close personal friendship will weep. I will want this to include my family and close friends. If so, I need to live each day remembering that others can sit in my chair at work; and others can play golf or fish; but only I can be a husband and friend to my wife, family, and friends. I commit to live in such a way that there will be weeping when I depart.

Will there be any loud lamenting at your funeral?