I can't stands it no more

Job 12

I remember a preach by Bill Hybels when he talks about having his Popeye moment. One of Popeye's catch phrases was "That's all I can stands, I can't stands no more!". Bill was referring to a time in his life when things HAD to change.

I think here in Ch 12 we start to see Job having his Popeye moment. He had listened to his friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. I think Zophar was more like so far and no further.

This last guy spoke to him like a complete know it all. So much so that Job in his retort suggests that the way Zophar was speaking if the guy died then wisdom would come to an end.

In v 13 Job makes this confession “True wisdom and real power belong to God; from him we learn how to live, and also what to live for."

Sometimes you just have to get to that place for yourself. Job had travelled from a place of faith to doubt and despair. Then to frustration with his "friends". It would actually seem that his frustration with them through him back to God. And at the end of this chapter he says I am taking my case to God.

Good move!

Day 28 - 28 Day Challenge

Hostage for Hope

We come to the end of our 28 day journey through the book of Acts. For us we have had a comfortable ringside seat at the birth of this thing called church which many of us are part of nearly 2000 years later. We have been introduced to the major characters and seen God's plan unfolded through Jesus to the world. We look back over 2 millennia of history but to these early disciples in places like Jerusalem & Antioch (the first mega churches) there was no example to follow only Jesus.

We have travelled through despair at Jesus death, the dynamic difference of the Holy Spirit, mass conversions, incredible persecution, doctrinal debates, missionary journeys, martyrdom, generous giving and much more. Yet somehow through these human but godly leaders the church remained on mission, Jesus mission, to see people far from God become fully devoted, addicted followers of Jesus.

Even here in the last chapter of the book we see a setback turned into a God opportunity. Paul did not intend to visit Malta and didn't even know where he was when washed up there. But it didn't matter how he got there he just brought Jesus. There was no discussion as to was its God's will to be there, was this an attack of the enemy he just lived his life and brought Jesus where he was in every situation.

In V20 Paul tells the Jewish leaders in Rome, "I’m a hostage here for hope, not doom". That was the message of Paul's life, that was the message of Jesus to a world desperate for hope. It is our message as followers of Jesus today 2000 years later.

God is for people and not against them. Jesus brings hope. As a followers of Jesus we are hostages to hope.

Circumstances or Destiny

Circumstances or Destiny

Acts 27. A prisoner, in the middle of the "perfect" storm, on his way to almost inevitable death Paul was certainly in dire straights. But it would seem that Paul's was the one voice of hope out of the hundreds on the ship.

Paul chose to see his destiny above his present circumstances. I know this can be only too hard. The immediate always presses into our peace of mind. One thing for sure is that Paul lived a life that was always open to the voice of God in every situation and whats more he believed it for a certainty. If God had said it then that was the final word.

The important thing to note from Paul's life is that he was a man who always listened to the voice of God. He didn't start in the middle of the storm. Long before he ever got on the boat he knew his destiny in God so even a 14 day mega storm couldn't shake his belief.

Day 26 - 28 Day Challenge

Captivated by God's Vision

V19: I couldn’t just walk away from a vision like that! I became an obedient believer on the spot.

Paul explains his incredible encounter with Jesus. How he vehemently opposed this movement of Jesus and how he was stopped dead in his tracks by him. Jesus broke into his world and hand picked him for a mission. (v16) Since then Paul's life had been captivated with the mission of Jesus, it had become the sole focus of his life and he just could not walk away from the vision of bringing Jesus message to the world.

We talk much in today's world about vision. Companies have vision statements, schools have vision statements and individuals are encouraged to write vision statements for their lives even churches have vision statements. All good to give focus to our lives and connect our day to day activity with what we want to achieve in the long term but too many times there is a disconnect between our stated vision and activity. In effect we walk away from the vision.

Paul was captivated by God's vision and was not going to walk away no matter what.

Day 25 - 28 Day Challenge

A dead man named Jesus

Festus in explaining the situation Paul to his King says in v19:

but their accusations turned out to be nothing more than arguments about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who the prisoner claimed was alive.

He couldn't quite understand what all the commotion was about. To Felix it was just an insignificant dead man with a very common name. To Paul it was about his master, his model, his saviour who was very much alive.

For a dead man all this argument would have been worthless, Paul's sacrifices wasteful. The thing that makes all the difference in Paul's life and our, the thing that splits opinion throughout history is that Jesus is not just some dead man but that he is very much alive.

Day 24 - 28 Day Challenge

The Way of Life Change

Paul finds himself before Felix the governor of Jerusalem and subsequently finds himself in prison for 2 years because Felix didn't have the backbone to stand up against the false charges made to him.

It seems like during this 2 year period Felix and his wife had a number of conversations with Paul about Jesus. (v24) It would appear that he had a genuine interest in the Way of Jesus but he just was not prepared to change.

The way of Jesus demanded life change, to live right, with self control. Felix made a choice and he was to connected to his existing way of life including money. V26 gives us an insight into his mind when he still hoped that Paul would bribe him for his freedom. Another factor may have been that sitting beside him in all these discussions was Drusilla, the daughter of Herod Agrippa. She had been induced by Felix to desert her husband, the king of Emesa, to become his adulterous companion. Life change was just too high a price and even though Jesus fascinated him he was not prepared to pay the price.

To follow the Way of Jesus demands life change.

Day 23 - 28 Day Challenge

God's Plan

Reading Acts 23 today I was reminded of Psalm 2.

Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: “Let’s get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!” Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he’s amused at their presumption; Then he gets good and angry.

Some people had an agenda that was opposed to God's agenda. They wanted to kill Paul and put an end to his message of hope for the world. God had other ideas.

(v11-12)As far as God was concerned Paul was going to Rome and no matter how many people made an oath to frustrate God's plan there was only going to be none winner.

No matter how desperate the situation looks God's plan will ultimately take place so we need to take the advice Jesus gave to Paul when he came to him in the night: Be brave.

The fat lady has not sung until God has spoken.

Day 22 - 28 Day Challenge

What would you say to a violent crowd after your blood if you had the chance. What eloquent speech could you give? What argument could you put forward? Paul faced with this situation used the most powerful words he could but also most simple. His personal story of a changed life.

This is who I was. This is what I did. Jesus broke into my world and now everything is different. He said you want proof then just look at me.

(v20) And now they see me totally converted. What better qualification could I have?’

Our story of how Jesus changed our life is still the most powerful insight into what Jesus can do. Never underestimate Jesus and your story.

Day 21 - 28 Day Challenge

Backward Thinking?

After saying goodbye to his friends at Ephesus he set out for Jerusalem, stopping along the way to meet other believers, partying on the way. (v5) I love it that the great Apostle Paul knew how to party.

Agabus the prophet turns up and lets other people in on what Paul's already knows Jerusalem is going to be a difficult destination. His friends worried about his safety try to get Paul to change his plan but Paul would have none of it. As I read his reply to them toady it really got inside me I had to stop reading for a few minutes and just let it sink in.

Paul knew he was walking headlong into a whole heap of trouble, maybe a little like Jesus years earlier on his way to Jerusalem, and he says this: (v13)

“Why all this hysteria? Why do you insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me? You’re looking at this backwards. The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can’t you see that?”

It was not about him and what may happen to him it was about what Jesus could do through him being obedience. Paul knew that the most important thing he could do in his life was to obey his master. Obey when things were great, obey when things were tough and yes obey even when it meant his life. Now that's devotion!

Day 20 - 28 Day Challenge

Encouragement, Friendship & Hardship

Although Paul had experience some incredible difficulties in his ministry he was an incredible man of encouragement. (v2) In the course of his ministry he had been lied about, his words distorted, imprisoned, betrayed, beat up, stoned and left for dead. Think I would have packed it in along the way. Not Paul he inspired people with new hope.

This kind of ministry is so vital at a time when its so easy to quit. Paul refused to quit no matter what.

Paul was then guided by God to go to Jerusalem admitting that he wasn't clear on God's plan but knew it was a difficult time ahead. (v22) This was faith and obedience combined. Too often we want chapter and verse before we do anything. Our normal attitudes is God we want to know where this is going to end up. To obey even when we don't know what is going to happen and even when the ending does not look good is a test.

Its also clear that Paul was a man that valued his friendships. Saying goodbye to his fellow ministers was excruciating for him. He wasn’t just some professional who stood aloof from people they got inside his heart and clearly an wonderful bond of friendship flourished. This picture of friendship is so important. (v37 - 38).

Day 19 - 28 Day Challenge

Paul arrives in Ephesus for the second time but on this occasion it was not a fleeting visit he stayed there for nearly 3 years.

On arrival he found a small group of 12 Jesus followers and continued to preach and teach. It would seem that Paul was very successful in his church planting campaign in that it incited a riot by the guild of silversmiths that made statues after its adopted god.

12 people and Paul, full of the Holy Spirit, grew the church in Ephesus to the point where it was closing down idol worship. Effective! In fact the Bible records that everyone in Asia heard the message of Jesus. (v10)

What can happen in our lives if we are open to the Holy Spirit and are committed above anything else to share the good news of Jesus?

Day 18 - 28 Day Challenge

Frustration and God's Perspective

Paul arrives in a new city for him Corinth. God links him up with a couple who happen to have the same skill as he does - tent making. (God is good at planning). It is interesting to note that after his friends Silas and Timothy arrive, he stops tent making and gives his time fully to preaching. (v5) Does that mean that Silas and Timothy found some jobs to pay their way and care for Paul while he was teaching & preaching. Interesting ministry team.

Seems like Paul's time in Corinth was particularly frustrating and success seemed little. He even got to the point where he gave up and wrote the people off. Only thing was that God was not ready to write people off just yet. So he encouraged Paul to keep at it because it didn't look like it at this moment God had many people on his side in the city. (v10)

Even though initial success was limited to one eminent leader and his family it eventually resulted in many people following Jesus.

Out of his frustration a great church was established in Corinth it just took time and obedience to God's word. Be careful who and what you write off and do not give up because God may have other plans.

Day 17 - 28 Day Challenge

Secret God

Paul makes it to the hot bed of philosophy and intellect of the day - Athens. He finally takes his stand over all the idols. After days being confronted with idol sculptures everywhere he come across an idol inscribed to the God nobody knows. Seems like this is the straw that breaks the camels back. He can't stand it anymore and engages in a debate with the Athenians. Showing the one true God.

I have only been in Athens once. A group of us were transferring planes and we had about 8 hours to wait. From about 10 pm till 6 am the next day. Most people tried to catch some sleep on the airport floor. (one even in a McDonalds ball pit) Myself, Andrew and James decided to go into the city centre.

Our taxi driver was kind enough to take us on a bit of a sightseeing trip. After a while he drove up a dark road and the surrounding lights disappeared. We went up a steep hill and he then stopped the car and got out and we followed him up the hill. We didn't have a clue where he was going but we followed any way. When we got to the top we were greeted with an incredible view of Athens and right in front across the valley was the Parthenon.

We remembered the story in this chapter and asked our guide where Mars Hill was. He looked at us quite blank. James then remembered the other name for the same place - Areopagus. We were standing on it.

What an incredible feeling. To be standing on the place where Paul got angry and argued with the Athenians and the church in that city was born with the impressive structure of the Parthenon as a backdrop.

Here he declared the one thing that the people found hard to stomach. They believed in all sorts of god's even ones that they did not know but, they couldn't believe that one died and came back to life so that he could have a relationship with them. It is a bit unbelievable isn't it.

My Prayer

Thank you Jesus!

Day 16 - 28 Day Challenge

Leadership Training

Yet another character is introduced to us in Acts 16 - Timothy. This was Paul's second visit to Lystra and probably Timothy became a follower of Jesus on Paul's first visit. In the intervening time it is clear that Timothy had grown to be a quality disciple. He was well respected in his hometown and a nearby town. (v2)

This second encounter was to be the start of a life long friendship. Actually more of a father son relationship. When writing to timothy Paul describes him as "his own son in the faith" (1 Tim 1 v 2)

Paul took Timothy with him on this historic mission that was to see the message of Jesus cross over into Europe. Timothy was learning first hand at Paul's side. He would have witnessed the highs and the lows. New cities, new continents, new disciples, new churches, miracles, beatings, prison and deliverance. What an education.

Surely this is the ultimate in leadership development. Instead of taking this bright young man and sticking him in a college or course Timothy experienced life with his mentor and spiritual father.

His love and respect for Paul even meant he went to be with him in prison. History suggests that Timothy finally settled in Ephesus where he found martyrdom just like his mentor.

Day 15 - 28 Day Challenge

Coping with Grace

Seems like the church right from the beginning has struggled with grace.

(v11) Don’t we believe that we are saved because the Master Jesus amazingly and out of sheer generosity moved to save us just as he did those from beyond our nation? So what are we arguing about?”

The Jews having been brought up in a culture of obeying complex and comprehensive laws to gain God's favour could not quite get with the plot. It seems hard for them to grasp that their salvation had nothing to do with their good works and all to do with the sacrifice of Jesus.

They also found it hard to believe that God's grace was for the whole world and not just for them. I suppose it is not surprising that a faith born out of Jewish people still had struggles with converts who fell in love with Jesus but found it hard to leave behind their religious doctrines.

But the battle was on for the heart and soul of this new movement. Would it be sucked into a dead end route of rules and regulations for a select few or would God's free gift of salvation be sent to the world.

Thank God that the Apostles stood up for what they knew was right and Jesus mission was intact.

(v10) “So why are you now trying to out-god God, loading these new believers down with rules that crushed our ancestors and crushed us, too?

My Prayer

Thank you God for your free gift of salvation. I realise that it cost you your son to make this unavailable for me through faith. I will today live a life of thankfulness to you for everything you have given me and try to give you the one thing you are looking for my obedience.

Day 14 - 28 Day Challenge

Missions trip anyone?

If this was the first organised missions trip of the early church what a start. Lied about, rumours spread, chased out of town, beaten and left for dead and pursued by a mob from town to town. I am not sure I would have signed up for this mission’s trip. (I thought a mission’s trip with George Ridley was hard but he has nothing on Paul and Barnabas)

Yet they saw many people become Christians, churches were planted and disciples were strengthened.

Returning home they shared with great joy what God had accomplished through them. (V27) They were so happy that God had used them to open the door of salvation to so many people. The establishment of Gods kingdom was more important than the hardship they faced.

Now however was time for a rest back at their home church.

Day 13 - 28 Day Challenge

Happy Disciples

Antioch had grown into a great church. It had great influence and today would probably have had the fashionable title of a "Mega" church. It probably had great music and certainly had great nationally famous teachers. (v1) Being a pastor teacher it could possibly have been described as the plumb job outside of Jerusalem. It would probably have been the church leadership position to have.

Paul had now been accepted by the church and had "settled" down to lead one of the world’s great churches. Well that was until God explained his plan. Paul and his long time friend Barnabas were to embark on a season of church planting. Leaving the relative safety of the established church and hit the highroad to establish brand new churches and brand new Christians.

The message spread like wildfire across the region at the same time as they were booted out of town. Successes in conversions in the early church were so often accompanied by hardship for the preachers. But these guys were focused. Their joy and happiness was found in the expansion of the kingdom not their own personal comfort. (v52)

My Prayer

Lord help me always to remain focused on your mission to the world and be open to you changing my plans to fall in line with your will and purpose.

Day 12 - 28 Day Challenge

Calm in the storm

Seems like a whirlwind of persecution had now been unleashed against the church. Herod, grandson of the Herod we read of in the early Gospels, decided on going after the top men. So about 10 years after Jesus resurrection we have one of the original 12 disciples being taken out of the scene. Next Herod went after Peter, put him in jail and planed to hang him publicly.

The night before his impending execution we get an insight into Peters state of mind:

v6 He was sleeping like a baby.

I am not sure if facing such dire circumstances that I would be sleeping. There are already many things that keep me awake at night and none of them come close to being executed. Peter’s peace does not seem to have been because he expected God to swoop in last minute and perform some miracle of deliverance. We later find him totally surprised by what has happened. As the message puts it (v 12) shaking his head amazed.

Somehow he had found a place of confidence and security in God that no matter what circumstances he faced God was still on his side and in life and death he would trust God.

I remember an old hymn:

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.

It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand,
For 'tis well secured by the Saviour’s hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.

It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow.

It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.

My Prayer

Help me Lord to trust you even when things are difficult. Thank you Lord that I can trust you because of your great love for me and nothing in this world or the next can ever change that.

Day 11 - 28 Day Challenge

Encouragement

Not sure if it is just the UK but cynicism seems to be king. Our media has a build them up knock them down type of attitude. Criticism comes easy but in chapter 11 we are introduced to a great man who goes against the flow. Barnabas was a man whose life was marked by the most precious of gifts - encouragement.

23 As soon as he arrived, he saw that God was behind and in it all. He threw himself in with them, got behind them, urging them to stay with it the rest of their lives. 24 He was a good man that way, enthusiastic and confident in the Holy Spirit’s ways. The community grew large and strong in the Master.

What an incredible description of Barnabas. We all love it when someone encourages us. It makes you feel a foot taller. Sadly so often we (me especially) fall into criticism.

Someone once said we should catch people doing good not just when the do bad. Have a Barnabas mindset today, catch someone doing something right and tell them.

Day 10 - 28 Day Challenge

Getting God's Attention

(V4) We all like getting the attention of someone who is important to us. If a spouse, parent or friends is attentive to us we like it. Sometimes we will even go out of our way to attract attention. (Even by doing bad things sometimes) To get God's attention surely must be important to us. Here we get an insight into what brought Cornelius to God's attention.

It was not great preaching or an act of heroism it was "Prayers and neighbourly acts".

Traditions or God's will

This is another pivotal point in the history and development of the church. Were they going to hang on to the past and their safe Jewish traditions or were they going to embrace the future and God's mission to all mankind. It would seem that it was a difficult transition to make because God had to do multiple miracles through different people placing all the pieces in the jigsaw to make sure they all got the point. God's mission was for the world not a select few.

What traditions and mentalities do we have to address on our mission to the world? What is God speaking to us about and are we being stubborn?

No hero worship

(v26) Seems like the tendency to hero worship was alive and well in the early church. The church has never been and never will be about a select group of specialists, Senior Pastors, Elders, Ministry team etc. It is about ordinary every day believers who are passionately committed to a relationship with Jesus.

My Prayer

Lord help me to live for you and not for anyone else and realise that you put a high premium on simple kindness.