Psalm 21 Almighty God

One of the most basic things we learn about God is that he is all powerful. His strength is capable of anything. There is nothing he cannot do. On the other hand, we know that as human beings we are limited and frail. There is only so much we can do with our might and strength. Actually, our might and strength, as limited as it may be, is a derived power from God himself. He has chosen to grant us power and strength to achieve and create and overcome, but it will never be like his.

One of the greatest sins I can commit is to think that the limited power that I have comes from myself and it blinds me from seeing Almighty God as the source. I end up exalting myself above God which is idolatry. When my soul is steep in sin, it cannot enjoy life. I cannot be fully human as God created me to be because I have neglected my Creator. Peace, security, love and joy escape me when I trust my own strength and forget the Almighty God. But when I trust in the Almighty God, he promises to bless. Blessed is to be happy, full of peace, security, love, and joy. These things are only possible with God.

How can I feel secure in my own strength when I don't have the power to control what goes on in the world, never mind in the universe? Only God has that power and I find great comfort to trust in him. It is like trusting in yourself going into a fight against a gang when you only weight 100 lbs. and have no self-defense skills. But to trust in God is like going into a fight with your dad who is well built and holds a few black belts in different styles of the martial arts. O what peace and comfort it brings to trust in an Almighty God!

Unfortunately, time and again, my selfishness and pride arise to set itself up against God forgetting my place and failing to acknowledge his. We think that the greatest evil we can practice is to kill another human being or rob a bank. But the greatest evil we are capable of begins with setting ourselves in the place of God; to think of ourselves as so very capable and strong without need of his help. The truth is that we are totally dependent on God and the sooner I can acknowledge that and live it out, the sooner I'll enjoy his blessings. It is best to join David and proclaim:

13 Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength!

We will sing and praise your power.

Father, you are God Almighty, Creator of heavens and earth, Creator of my life. Teach me your ways that I may exalt you for your strength and power because there is no one like you. May I trust in your strength today and forevermore. Amen.

Acts 6:8-15 Stephen is Seized

Stephen was not one of the apostles and yet God used him mightily! This man was full of grace and power. Of course, the grace is God's grace. God poured out his unmerited favor upon him in ways that were evident to the people who knew him. Also, God's power was in operation through his life. This was evident by the signs and wonders that he was doing among the people. It was not his own grace and power, but God's grace in operation working through his life on behalf of those who were in need.

Several Jews came together to dispute or argue with him, but they could not withstand his wisdom and Spirit. How many deacons you know in the church that are able to stop an argumentative Pharisee on his tracks? Not many! If any at all. Stephen's story gives me an inkling of the caliber of the workers of the Early Church. They were not newbies to the faith. They knew their stuff! And this is the product of increasing the Word of God! The Apostles dedicated themselves to their call to preach and teach and the people benefitted from that by growing in the grace of God to the point of being able to use it to preach and teach themselves.

One of my sins is spiritual gluttony. I want more and more of the Word of God, but for what? Do I make good use of it to minister to others in the body of Christ? or is it just to increase my head knowledge and say: "I know that." Packing in the Word of God and not using it to feed others makes me "fat." And I am not talking about faithful, available, and teachable. I'm talking about fearful, apathetic, and touchy. The accumulation of Scriptural knowledge for the sake of knowing alone has disastrous results. Instead of spurring on growth, it makes me stagnate in my spiritual growth. The kingdom of God is about service. Stephen understood this well and that's why the power of God was evident through his life.

But the world got fed up with Stephen and they framed him to bring him down. It was the only way to silence him - to make him a martyr. As he stood before the council listening to the many false testimonies spoken against him, God gave him more grace with the radiant look of an angel on his face. It seems to be a godly intervention on behalf of Stephen. But despite such a manifestation in his countenance, the council dismissed it after hearing his message and killed him anyway. Signs and wonders are not enough  for the world. Ultimately, if you don't befriend the world, it will take your life. We have been warned by Jesus that the world will hate us. We must be ready for this type of opposition and persecution. Am I ready?

Father, thank you for men like Stephen who give us clear example of what it is to live a life of faith in the midst of a threatening world. Grant me his knowledge, courage, and desire to serve at whatever cost.

Acts 3:11-26 Peter Speaks in Solomon's Portico

People were astounded by the healing of the lame beggar and they gathered around Peter and John. Peter addressed the crowd to let them know that the miracle was not performed by their power or piety, but by Jesus Christ who resurrected from the dead. Peter accuses them of his death because they delivered him to Pilate and declares the miracle a work of his hand by faith in his name. Faith requires an object. It cannot be faith for the sake of believing something. For it to be genuine faith, it must be in Jesus. Jesus is the object of our faith, trust, and obedience.

Christianity boils down to who I believe Jesus to be. Is he the son of a carpenter and a good man? Is he a prophet with powers to heal? Is he a peaceful martyr willing to give his life to appease the political powers of the day? Is he a political figure who promised better days? Is he a prophet willing to denounce the Scribes and Pharisees? Is he a wise teacher who understands the Law like no one else? All these things may be true, but they don't make him the object of my faith. Peter calls him the Holy and Righteous One, the Author of Life, the resurrected and glorified Son of God. Do I believe this?

Peter explains that God foretold by the mouth of the prophets Christ's suffering and death. But the crowd's ignorance is no excuse - they stand guilty! He calls them to repentance so that they may receive forgiveness, refreshment, and the future restoration of all things. God is sovereign because he foretold what needed to take place, but human responsibility is not excused at all. Repentance is the remedy for such a rebellion. I can't forget that the reason Christ came into the world was to offer himself as a sacrifice for my sins. His death is upon me as much as it is upon the Romans and Jews of the day. God is sovereign, but I must repent!

Peter points out that this Jesus is the one Moses, and Samuel and all the prophets spoke about. He particularly reminds the people of the covenant God cut with Abraham with the promise: "In your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Jesus is that offspring and God began to bless the families of the earth by sending Jesus to the Jews first, and then the rest of the world. The blessing, Peter explains, is turning you from your wickedness. My wickedness is my desire to live my life my way turning my back on God and his ways. God calls me to repentance so that I may turn to him and live by his commands.

Father, enable me to make your Son the object of my faith. May I never hide behind your sovereignty as an excuse to evade my responsibility. Give me a repentant heart and a strong belief in your word spoken by the prophets.

Acts 1:6-11 The Ascension

While Jesus was dedicated to teaching about the kingdom of God, the apostles were concerned about the kingdom of Israel and its restoration. What God is going to do with Israel and when should not be the focus of their attention. Jesus was clear: "It is not for you to know..." In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the nation of Israel. While some are interested in evangelizing Israel, others are interested in their role in the current political world. The former deserves my attention, but not the latter.

Politics is a topic of great interest to me and I believe that Christians should participate of the political life of their countries. But politics must be viewed for what it is. Politics, for the Christian, is nothing more than a tool to communicate the message of the Gospel and an opportunity to voice for justice and against evil. But politics is not the savior and should never be viewed as the means to solve all my problems. Ultimately, my problems stem from the heart and it requires a heart change to be a virtuous and moral citizen. On the other hand, if I am a Christian and stand apathetic to politics, how can I bring change to society if I don't participate in the public affairs of the society in which I live? How can I bring the message of the Gospel to bear on issues if I don't stand up and speak up?

What is important for the apostles to know, in contrast with the political status of the kingdom of Israel, is that the Holy Spirit will grant power to make them witnesses. This is a central truth in the kingdom of God! The promised Holy Spirit will empower them to be witnesses. A witness is one who is willing to give a testimony of what they have experienced for others to know. The apostles were witnesses of the life, ministry, teaching, death, and resurrection (and pretty soon his ascension) of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will empower them to give that testimony. They should seek and wait for that empowerment. Am I seeking the filling of the Spirit to be empowered to witness? Is witnessing central in my life? Or am I distracted playing politics in the world, even in the Church?

Jesus leaves the world escorted by "men in white robes," probably angelic beings. His ascension is a sign of how his return will be. In the same manner in which he was taken, he will return. When he shows up, he will show up in the skies escorted by angelic beings and everyone will see him. I must not forget his return. I must remember his promise: He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” and the desire of my heart should be "Come, Lord Jesus." Is it my expectation and desire to see the return of my Lord?

Jesus, come soon! Give me the power through your Spirit to be a witness and testify to the whole world about you. Don't let me be distracted by politics or anything else. Amen.

Joshua 16-17 Allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh

The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph, were given their inheritance. Unfortunately, just like Judah, they did not drive out the Canaanites. Instead, they put them to forced labor, but did not drive them out. On top of that, the tribes of Joseph complained that their allotment was too small and they were too many for the territory. Joshua gives them a fourfold message that applies to me even today.

First, Joshua points out who they are: "You are a numerous people..." They lack assurance in their identity since they constantly thought of themselves as less than the Canaanites. Do I know who I am? My position in Christ is one of a child of God. I am vested with all the benefits of the kingdom by the grace of God. My identity is not based on anything I can do or merit. It is completely based on the work of Christ on the cross. He called me from darkness into light; from death unto life.

Secondly, Joshua reminds them of their resources: "... and have great power." In their complaint to Joshua, Ephraim and Manasseh did not fail to compare themselves with the Canaanites. The Canaanites' military might included chariots of iron. But God had granted great power to them because God fought for them. God has given me power to be his witness through the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. I must not fear the resources of the world and focus on the resources God has given me. 

Thirdly, Joshua tells them that they must work and toil to enjoy their reward: "... you shall clear it ... and you shall drive out the Canaanites." God fought for them and gave them an inheritance, but they must continue to work and toil to expand their territory and enjoy it to the fullest. Christ has given me all I need. I need not work to get into the kingdom, but I must work to keep what has been given me. It is not a work to merit, but a work to maintain. This work is totally dependent on the grace and mercy of God, but work I must. No lazy bums in the kingdom!

Finally, Joshua points to the promised future: "For you shall drive out the Canaanites..." If they are willing to embrace their identity, realize the power they've been given, and work hard to expand their territory, God would grant them the victory despite their chariots of iron. My victory in Christ is assured if only I am willing to work out my salvation. I must persevere to the end to be saved. I must wage the battle of faith day by day to establish God's kingdom upon the earth. His promises are true and will become a reality if only I press on.

Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ whose work on the cross saves me. Thanks for the power of the Holy Spirit that fills me. May I work day by day to establish your kingdom. Rebuke laziness and complacency in me. Fill me with hope in your promises. 

Joshua 10:29-43 Conquest of Southern Canaan

Israel, under the leadership of Joshua, has become an unstoppable force for God's kingdom. There is no city-state or king that can sustain the attacks of Israel. As I read through this campaign, I am taken by the power, consistency, and swiftness of the attacks. I can certainly benefit from a campaign like this for my own spiritual life.

God fought for Israel, so the victories are not to be attributed to Israel, but to God. If Israel is to be praised for anything, it is for its obedience. As long as Israel complied with God's instructions, Israel would benefit from the power of Almighty God working on their behalf. If I want to experience the power of God at work in my life, I must learn through the school of obedience. I can't expect great things to happen in my life if I am not obedient in the little things of the kingdom.

The campaign highlights the consistency of Israel's power and victory over the enemy. It is not one isolated fight. Israel took on at least seven city-states during this campaign. Each one required a siege against the city and a battle afterwards. This is a lot of work! This kind of consistency is not possible on their own strength. Only God can offer that kind of sustained power. It is possible for me to experience victory after victory if only I rely on God alone and am obedient to his voice.

Finally, the swiftness of the attacks and the destruction of the devoted things is impressive. There is no hesitation on Joshua's part to execute the commands of the Lord. It is not easy to wipe out an entire city, but Israel learned its lesson and did not hesitate to comply. If I am to experience victory in my own spiritual battles, I must devote myself to do God's will without hesitation. I must destroy the "devoted things" in my own life. What are they? Am I holding unto some of them still?

Lord, grant me the victory over my enemies. Give me the power to attack their strongholds in my life. Help me destroy all the "devoted things" in my life. I want to be devoted to you alone.

Matthew 21:23-27 The Authority of Jesus Challenged

Authority is permission and power. It is the permission or right to make decisions, give orders, and enforce obedience. But permission alone does not get it done. It is necessary to have the ability to do so - power. Jesus received all authority in heaven and on earth. Nothing is out of bounds for him. It is a divine authority granted by the Father.

It is divine because his authority heals sickness, forgives sin, and grants eternal life. The ability to do these things is reserved only for God. As Jesus exercised his authority, he shocked the people with it because he was able to do things that only God can do. Unfortunately, the chief priests and the elders cannot reconcile the fact that Jesus can exercise this kind of authority. After all, he is just a man. Or is he? Jesus is God and man.

Jesus challenges them with another question concerning John the Baptist - the one who would prepare the way for him. What kind of authority did he have to baptize like he did? The baptism of John was radical and an insult to the Jews. Immersion in water was a ritual for Gentiles converting to Judaism. It was an insult to invite a Jew to go through such a ritual since they considered themselves children of Abraham with no need of cleansing. Caught between the people and their own unbelief they were not able to discern John's authority. Jesus refuses to answer and leaves them to their fears and unbelief.

I need to come to terms with the reality of Jesus' authority. Do I truly believe that he has authority in heaven and on earth? Why do I hesitate with the authority he has delegated to me as a believer? Am I like the priests and elders, caught between what people might say and my own unbelief, paralyzed in my own faith? Jesus has granted the church (his body) permission and power to finish the work he started. What am I waiting for?

Lord, help me overcome the "what people might think" syndrome. Help me overcome my own unbelief. May I exercise freely the authority you have given me in my life and ministry. 

Matthew 10:1-4 The Twelve Apostles

Jesus put together one of the greatest, if not the greatest, team on earth. Their greatness can be measured in many ways. For one, they influenced the whole known world of their day with the Gospel. Also, their preaching, teaching, and writings have shaped the thoughts of many, many people around the world to this day and inspired the writing of many books. Last, but not least, their ministry in the supernatural with healing and exorcisms left the crowds in awe. Undoubtedly, this is a great team that has influenced the whole world since its inception to this day and will continue to touch lives throughout history until the end of days.

Interestingly enough, the members of the team are not extraordinary people, but ordinary citizens of their day. Among them we find fishermen, tax collectors, and carpenters. Yet, they were all able to make a contribution for the expansion of the kingdom of God. None of them were in positions of power and influence, but were able to influence the masses with the Gospel message. In their beginnings, they were pretty insecure; afraid of what the authorities would do to them. Afterwards, they were willing to die for the proclamation of the Gospel.

What makes ordinary people into extraordinary team players for the kingdom? Jesus called them, gave them authority, and the apostles obeyed. It is essential that I have certainty that God has called me - not just to be a pastor, but to be a Christian. My calling as a Christian must be clear. Secondly, it is very important that I seize the authority given and use it appropriately. Authority is permission and power to do something. Just like the apostles, permission alone does not cut it; they needed power. I must live a Spirit-filled life to be empowered to do the work of the kingdom. Finally, I must obey. The call and the authority are worthless unless I am willing to act in obedience.

When I question my salvation and my call, I undermine the work of God in my own life and the life of those around me. When I doubt the God-given authority Jesus gives me to minister to others, I jeopardize my ability to be an instrument in God's hands to touch others. When I simply disobey God's call upon my life to be a witness to others, I miss the opportunity to see God do extraordinary things with my ordinary life.

Lord, grant me assurance in my call to serve you. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may seize the authority you have dispensed. And move my will to obey you day by day so that I may see you at work through me.