by Pastor Fraser Pearce
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk (Acts 3:6b).
Read Acts 3:1–10
Today we read about a man who was lame from birth and was taken by others to the gate of the temple to beg for money.
Let’s think about what it would be like to be that man. We would not know what it’s like to walk or run – we would not know what it’s like to go where we want when we want. We would also not know what it’s like to earn our own keep – we would be reliant on the charity of others for our daily bread. On top of this, we would have no hope that our situation would ever be any different – we would be resigned to our disability, restricting the freedoms we see enjoyed by others.
This is the situation the apostles come into. The man only expects to receive from the apostles what he has received from kind people in the past – money to help him live. But the apostles give a gift that is greater than silver or gold. They give the gift of standing up and walking – a gift that comes in Jesus’ name. Peter knows the power that is in Jesus’ name, so when he tells the man to rise and walk, he also takes his right hand and raises him up. In this way, we see Jesus at work through his people as they speak his word. It leads to the man walking and leaping and praising God, and it leads to the people being filled with wonder and amazement so that they are open to hearing the message of repentance and the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:11–4:4).
All of us are beggars before God. We have nothing to give God, only open hands to receive. Our Lord Jesus gives us his word through the people he sends to speak to us – people like our parents, friends or pastors. As they help us in the life of faith – as we receive the word God gives us through them – we are strengthened to live as free people and to praise God.
Lord Jesus, thank you for sending people to speak your word and freeing us to get up and praise our Father. Please give us your Spirit so we may speak your healing word to others. Amen.
Fraser Pearce grew up in Sydney and has served as a pastor in Melbourne, Bendigo and Adelaide. He is married to Margaret, and they have four children, ranging in age from 15 to 24. Fraser enjoys being with family and friends, listening to (and playing) music and reading.
by Pastor Fraser Pearce
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:41b)
Read Mark 4:35–41
Do you sometimes wonder why Jesus leads you where he does? And do you sometimes wonder if your Lord cares for you in the storms of life? If so, today’s reading is for you. The good news is that Jesus is with you even when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm you: Jesus has the authority to bring his peace into your life.
In our reading, it is Jesus who encourages his disciples to go with him across ‘to the other side’ – it is his idea to bring his disciples over the chaos of the sea and into a land where they will be confronted with the forces of evil (the Gerasene demoniac – Mark 5:1–20). As they travel, a gale arises, and the boat is at the point of being swamped while Jesus is sleeping comfortably in the stern of the ship.
It is hardly surprising that the disciples wake him up. We understand how they feel. Jesus has led them into this situation, and it appears he doesn’t care about the peril they find themselves in. In our lives, Jesus can call us into places where we face real difficulties – in marriage, at work or even in our congregation – and it can seem like he doesn’t care that we feel overwhelmed and at the point of giving up.
The disciples learn who Jesus is as they call out to him. He wakes up and rebukes the wind and sea by speaking his word: ‘Peace! Be still!’ He brings an end to the threatening waves.
Jesus is with you where he has called you. He has authority over all the forces of darkness and chaos. By his word, he brings peace and order. Even the sea and wind obey him, so do not be afraid.
Lord Jesus, thank you for being with me where you call me to be and that the tempests still obey your voice. I trust that even when I enter the darkness of death, you will awaken me to new life with you. Amen.
Fraser Pearce grew up in Sydney and has served as a pastor in Melbourne, Bendigo and Adelaide. He is married to Margaret, and they have four children, ranging in age from 15 to 24. Fraser enjoys being with family and friends, listening to (and playing) music and reading.
by Ruth Olsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress (Psalm 107:28).
Read Psalm 107:1–3,23–32
On my first reading of these assigned verses for today, I wondered about the connection to the Bible readings this week referring to the kingdom of God being like seeds, and the happenings of Acts 1–2. Then, our focus verse today caught my attention. It’s like a refrain, repeated from verses 6, 13 and 19, together with the regular liturgical call to give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love in verses 1, 8, 15, 21 and 31.
This psalm tells of deliverance for those lost in the trackless desert (verses 4–9), from the punishment of foreign bondage (verses 10–16) or wasting disease (verses 17–22), and now from the perils of the sea in pursuit of trade (verses 23–32). Surely we can identify with their fears?
Yet when we try to do things the way we think best, we can so easily do our own thing instead of following the Lord’s leading. We have the same inclination to rebel, be deaf, not seek the Lord’s leading nor heed the Lord’s voice – often because we do not recognise it. Often, it’s only when we are in trouble and distress that we remember to cry out to the Lord for help. But, as this psalm reminds us, he hears us!
As Jesus promised, and Acts 1–2 reminds us, the Father has sent his Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name to be our Helper (John 14:26). Do we trust Jesus? Do we trust Abba Father? Do we trust the Holy Spirit? They are three persons, one God, as we confess and declare on earth and into the heavens whenever we speak the Nicene Creed.
Yes, things in life will scare us. Sometimes, we will feel the winds and waves of life toss us up and down! When Peter kept his focus on Jesus, he was enabled to do something that surprised him and the other disciples (Matthew 14:22–33). We have been given a Helper, working from the inside out, training us to maintain our focus on Jesus. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
Lord Jesus, Abba Father, help us grow in trusting your Spirit’s leading every day. Amen.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.
by Ruth Olsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
Read Acts 2:37–47
Do you recall being ‘cut to the heart’ about something? Maybe it related to something you said, heard, watched or your attitude, and you just knew with an inner conviction that you needed to take notice – and humble yourself perhaps – but respond with compassion and care. I can!
Jesus said that when the Spirit comes, he will convict the world of guilt about sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8). If we are wise, we will notice when we experience an inner conviction that we need to apologise to someone and make something right again. That inner conviction of sin or wrong attitudes and words is the Lord showing us mercy because he does not want us to be trapped in that sin but instead set free from its hold or tainting.
To repent is to change one’s mind, to turn around and go the other way – away from where we were going. It was a military term describing a soldier marching in one direction and doing an about-face, 180-degree turn.
Acting on the call to repentance enables us to let go of thinking and attitudes that dishonour Jesus; to instead leave all of that at the cross and receive forgiveness, a clean heart, and a renewed mind that’s open to the Lord and his word. Hence, the Spirit’s prompting to repent is a beautiful gift! He cares about us! What an exchange that Jesus makes possible!
God’s mercy and grace were being extended to Peter’s listeners. The Spirit was at work. Many accepted his message and were baptised. The fruit of the Spirit’s working was a deepening of sharing life, of teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer with a new joy of discovery as the Spirit nurtured life in Jesus amongst them and their community.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me! Change my heart, renew my mind and draw me into a closer walk with Jesus and Abba Father. Thank you! Amen.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.
by Ruth Olsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
You, with the help of wicked [people], put him to death … But … it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him (Acts 2:23,24).
Read Acts 2:22–36
As you read these verses today, what caught your attention?
Did you notice that Peter reminds his hearers that they would have seen and heard what Jesus was doing – ‘as you yourselves know’? That, although it was by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge that Jesus was handed over to the people, they, corporately, chose his death? They are responsible, and we are too, for we share the same sinful nature, and our sin nailed Jesus there.
But death could not hold him down!
I have learned that the Holy Spirit will enable us to recognise how Jesus has fulfilled Old Testament law and prophecies. As mentioned previously, the Holy Spirit knows the Scriptures thoroughly and which Scriptures link to our current situation. Peter here speaks of what King David had written in Psalm 16:8–11, referring ultimately to the Messiah (Acts 2:31). David knew, with God-given prophetic foresight, this was speaking of a descendant of his. Peter links it together that David spoke of the resurrection of the Christ (Greek)/the Messiah (Hebrew), meaning ‘the Anointed One’ and speaking of Jesus. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of this fact (verse 32).
Again, this time using Psalm 110:1, ‘the Lord (Yahweh) said to my Lord (the Son of David, the Messiah): “sit at my right hand …”’, Peter declares ‘this Anointed One’ that David spoke of, whom they had crucified, is Jesus, both Lord and Messiah. It is he who has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has now poured him out! Sent from heaven to help us!
This message would have been confronting for Peter’s listeners, yet also reassuring. Likewise, for us! We are also answerable for what we do with Jesus – do we believe him, and are we growing in taking him at his word and acting on it?
Holy Spirit, Spirit of Jesus, thank you for bringing God’s word alive to us. Open our ears to hear and our hearts to believe and receive from you. Keep it coming, please. Amen.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to put to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.
by Ruth Olsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven (Acts 2:5).
Read Acts 2:1–21
Devout Jews from different parts of the world were in Jerusalem, either visiting or currently resident. When they suddenly heard the violent wind – without the warnings a large storm or cyclone would give – understandably, they were bewildered. ‘What is that?’ ‘What’s happening?’ If you were there, what would you be thinking? Perhaps you would have joined the gathering crowd, curious about what was happening. And then heard those simple Galileans speaking in languages they surely had not learnt!
What an amazing entrance when God poured out his Spirit on all humankind! There could be no human explanation for that happening! The visitors to Jerusalem came from all over the Middle East and from Rome, there were Jews, converts to Judaism and Arabs. A dynamic connection happened through them hearing these simple Galileans declaring the wonders of God in all these different languages. God always has the right timing for things he brings about!
Of course, some cynical voices said these simple Galileans had had too much wine. Yet if they had seen the tongues of fire on these followers of The Way, surely they would have wondered what it meant? And, apparently, on a festival day such as Pentecost, a devout Jew would not break their fast until at least 10am.
There needed to be an explanation for these bewildering 9am happenings. Peter stood up and raised his voice to do just that. Starting by saying that it was too early to be drunk, he declared that what was happening was what Joel had prophesied several hundred years earlier (Joel 2:28–32) – ‘in the last days’, God would pour out his Spirit on all people on earth, Jews and non-Jews, irrespective of sex, age or rank. Everyone – that means anyone – who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!
Because of Jesus, and through Jesus, the door has been opened for all to be brought back into right relationship with God by the power of the Spirit of God at work in human hearts. What an invitation!
Father, surely ‘all people’ also means those who do not yet acknowledge Jesus? Please open the ears, eyes and hearts of more people everywhere to Jesus. Amen.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to put to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.
by Ruth Olsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (Acts 1:15a).
Read Acts 1:15–26
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles – ‘men of Galilee’ (verse 11) – returned to where they were staying in Jerusalem. Together with the women and other followers of Jesus – about 120 people, including Jesus’ brothers – they all met together, constantly in prayer. That is a good way to build a faith community! Prayer helps us take our focus off ourselves to lift our focus to the Lord instead and remember his faithfulness, promises and mercy to us each day.
During that time, Peter was reminded of two seemingly random Scripture verses and how they related to the space left vacant among them by Judas Iscariot (who had betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins. Although Judas had returned the money to the priests, it was used to purchase the potter’s field where Judas had hanged himself).
Have you noticed during prayer or a conversation regarding things of God that a Bible passage comes into your mind? Jesus had earlier told his disciples that when the Holy Spirit was sent to them, he would teach them all things and remind them of things Jesus had said (John 14:26). After Jesus’ resurrection, he had appeared among the disciples in the upper room and breathed his Holy Spirit on them (John 20:19–23). Although the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out on everyone at Pentecost, he was still at work leading Peter.
The Holy Spirit knows the Scriptures thoroughly! And he knows how we are to apply which Scriptures to our situations. When we speak those words in our situations, because God’s word is living and active and a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17), something happens, and the situation changes.
Luke acknowledges that it was the Holy Spirit who spoke these two Scripture passages through David centuries earlier. With Peter’s leadership here, the gathered believers selected two candidates, prayed, and Matthias was selected. Although we hear no more of Matthias after this, the task was completed.
Lord, sometimes our ‘next steps’ can seem insignificant, yet if that is what you are leading us to do, then there is purpose. Thank you for your Spirit, who continues to lead us! Amen.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.
by Ruth Olsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
… all that Jesus began to do … until [he ascended], after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit … (Acts 1:1,2).
Read Acts 1:1–14
I wonder if we have an idea of what Jesus meant when he said to his apostles that they would be baptised with the Holy Spirit. I wonder if our understanding is far too small or limited.
After his resurrection, Jesus spoke a lot with his early disciples about the kingdom of God. His words were like seeds; they carried life. They were given through the Holy Spirit. As with yesterday’s reading, the growth that comes will look different from the seed it has come from, but God has given it the capacity to produce a hundredfold.
Yet the apostles needed to wait in Jerusalem until they received God’s power when the Holy Spirit came to them personally. It’s like those seeds needed to wait in the soil (picture language) of their hearts for the conditions required for them to strike. Then it’s the power of God by the Holy Spirit who causes the seed to swell, burst open and strike forth new plant growth.
This new growth is kingdom-of-God thinking, changing our hearts, renewing our minds, transforming us one day at a time! And, even as you read this, the Holy Spirit’s power is at work, giving new insight and understanding. The plant is sending up new growth as it also sends down roots that anchor the plant and absorb the nutrients it needs! This picture language can help us recognise and creatively receive what the Lord is working on in us.
It’s the very same Holy Spirit who gives us the power to be witnesses to Jesus wherever we are. Do we expect to move with him in his power, or do we focus on our inadequacies and, thereby, nullify his power to be at work in us? It’s healthy for us to consider these challenges prayerfully. Of ourselves, we do NOT have the power to be witnesses to Jesus. But do we believe Jesus’ words? Do we trust the Holy Spirit to lead us, to empower us?
Father, in Jesus’ name, forgive our unbelief. Work whatever is needed in us so your Holy Spirit’s power is released in and through us, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to put to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.
by Ruth Olsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
… this is what the kingdom of God is like (Mark 4:26).
Read Mark 4:26–34
Seeds are a witness to the intelligent design of our amazing creator! They are a fascinating small creation with the needed ‘DNA’ for growth after its kind. Whether scattered or intentionally planted, they need suitable conditions for the change and transformation we describe as ‘growth’. This growth looks very different from the original seed, yet it carries the capacity for a hundredfold multiplication of that seed. Kingdom dynamics and principles are at work!
The two parables in today’s reading give us a glimpse of what this dynamic does and the purpose the seed serves in carrying that dynamic. Seeds themselves are God’s creation, given to us to use. The power of life within the seed then connects with any conditions that promote growth, and the transformation process begins. What happens in that growth environment can determine the harvest to come.
These parables or ‘word pictures’ are seeds that can produce a rich harvest as we ponder them. Sharing the message of Jesus and our hope in him – scatters or intentionally plants the seeds (words) that carry God’s kingdom life to us and others. As we ask the Holy Spirit for insight, he can creatively open diversity and depth, bringing God’s word alive to us. It’s an invitation to take adventures with him, to become aware of him at work in us and through us as he communicates to others in their heart language, renewing their thinking and ours.
This week, as we move into readings from Acts 1 and 2, we will explore some of this kingdom dynamic at work. It’s also an invitation to adventure because not one of us can conceive what God has prepared for those who love him, but he reveals it to us by his Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9–13), for his word comes to us also as seed.
Holy Spirit, you open our ears, eyes and hearts to Jesus. You search the deep things of God and reveal them to us. Enable us to recognise you at work in and through us, to work with you and not resist you, for Jesus’ sake.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.