Looking the Right Direction

February 11

(Acts 3:4-5 NIV) "Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" {5} So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them."

(Matthew 6:22-23 NIV) "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. {23} But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"

(Psalms 121:1-2 NIV) "I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? {2} My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

At an early age, infants learn to look into our eyes for information and intimacy. Something spiritual happens when we look people in the eye. So it was with the beggar at the gate. Conditioned by years of shame, he kept his head down and didn’t look up. It was safer for his soul not to make eye contact. His posture portrayed weakness, defeat, and humiliation. But Peter demanded eye contact, because he knew that God wanted to heal more than just this man’s body. Peter and John could have given him a small coin and felt good for helping the poor like many Christians do today. But they wanted to give him more than that. They wanted to give him his life back. They wanted God to heal his soul. So the man looked up and his life was never the same… because when he looked into their eyes, he was looking into the eyes of Christ. The first step to healing is looking up. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Asking for the Right Stuff

February 10

(Acts 3:3 NIV) "When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money."

(James 4:1-4 NIV) "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? {2} You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. {3} When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. {4} You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."

When Peter and John approached the Temple gate, a beggar, crippled since birth, asked them for money. He was asking for the wrong thing. He asked for money, but what he really needed was healing. It’s hard to blame him -- it’s an old attitude. Most of us have been conditioned to believe that more money will fix our problems and make us happy -- so even today, many of us are still asking God for the wrong stuff. We ask Him for money, when what we really need is healing -- physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. We plead for pennies, when God has millions to give. We sit begging at the gate of glory, when we could be walking free with Jesus. We wallow in self pity, when the confidence of Christ is ours for the asking. We spend our days asking God just to get by, when what He wants to do is miraculously amaze the world through us. Are you asking God for the right stuff? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Crippled from Birth

February 9

(Acts 3:2 NIV) "Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts."

(Psalms 51:5 NIV) "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me."

(Job 15:14 NIV) "What is man, that he could be pure, or one born of woman, that he could be righteous?"

(Isaiah 53:6 NIV) "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Imagine being totally dependent upon others for survival. This needy man, “crippled from birth”, had to be carried to the Temple gate so that he could beg for survival. In a way, this helpless beggar represents us all, for we have all been “crippled from birth” by sin. Sin takes our legs out from under us, and we join those begging at the gate of God, unable to enter on our own. We end up looking to people, instead of God, for our sustenance. We spend our lives in spiritual squalor, sitting in our sin, pleading for the crumbs that the world occasionally gives us. We desperately need the Lord, but continually beg others to give us what we think we need. We plead for handouts instead of healing. We become focused on survival instead of seeking salvation. But we can be changed. We can be born again if we trust the Great Physician. Why beg another day? Take God’s hand and rise up. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

A Praying Church

February 8

(Acts 3:1 NIV) "One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer -- at three in the afternoon."

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV) "Be joyful always; {17} pray continually; {18} give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

(Hebrews 13:15-16 NIV) "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. {16} And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Peter and John were going to a prayer meeting at three o’clock in the afternoon. The desire of the early church was to be God-dependent, not self-sufficient. They prayed continually. Today’s culture worships at the altar of self-sufficiency. This hinders our desire to pray continually. We can obtain much of what we need without asking God for it -- no need for “daily bread” prayers. The majority of our prayers express a desire for personal blessing, rather than the desire to bring glory to God. Trusting God for all things, and in all things, is what set the early Christians apart. When they prayed, they prayed big and wide. They prayed for God to be glorified in their lives, even if it meant persecution. They just wanted more of God. When we begin to pray for God to be glorified in our lives, God will involve us in the miraculous, and give us opportunities to amaze the world, just like He did with the early church. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Growing Church

February 7

(Acts 2:47b NIV) “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

(Matthew 13:18-23 NIV)  ""Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: {19} When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. {20} The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. {21} But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. {22} The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. {23} But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.""

The church grows when people answer God’s call to repent and surrender their lives to the Lordship of Christ. When people stop running from God and turn to Him in repentance, the church grows. In the early church, people didn’t get saved weekly -- they got saved daily. That is what happens in a church devoted to God’s word, to community, and to prayer. That is what happens in a body of believers who concentrate on praise and expressions of devotion and worship. That is what happens when the people of God have a positive attitude about their church and live out their faith in love on a daily basis. That is what happens when the Spirit of God pervades the atmosphere of a church. This is still the kind of church Jesus calls us to be. This is the church that multiplies as the Lord adds daily to their number, producing a crop “a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Positive Christianity

February 6

(Acts 2:46-47 NIV) "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”

(Romans 15:13 NIV) "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

(Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV) "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children {2} and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

The new believers were positive people. They were “Praise the Lord!” kind of Christians. They had good things to say about each other and about their neighbors. They were short on gossip and long on encouragement. They built one another up instead of tearing one another down. They loved each other with the love they had received from the Lord. And it was noticed. Scripture says they enjoyed the favor of those around them, and the church grew. Positive people draw crowds. Positive people inspire us. We like to be around positive people. It’s easy to be a negative critic. It takes spiritual maturity to be a positive witness in the face of a negative world. But God can help. Maybe it’s time to change your attitude and become the kind of Christian who draws people to the Lord, instead of fulfilling all the negative stereotypes the world has about the church. It’s a matter of the will. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Rethinking Church

February 5

(Acts 2:46 NIV) “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together…”

(2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV) "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"

(Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV) "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, {20} built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. {21} In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. {22} And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

(Hebrews 10:25 NIV) "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Togetherness is the natural result of being “one in Christ”. You can’t really “do” togetherness in an hour on Sunday morning -- it takes more time than that. The early Christians met together every day in the temple courts, and they “broke bread” together in smaller groups in their homes. They prayed together, studied together, worked together, ate together, played together, laughed together, and cried together. They were not only brothers and sisters, they became friends. They unyoked from those who did not believe, and became yoked together with Christ and with one another. For us to do this, we will need to rethink what we mean by “church”. We’ll need to see it less as a building or a meeting, and begin to see it as an existence and an identity. “Church” must become more than just a place or a doctrine. It must become “who we are”. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Sticking Together

February 4

(Acts 2:44-45 NIV)  "All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."

(John 13:34-35 NIV)  ""A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. {35} By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.""

(1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV)  "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."

Jesus brought people together. Those who truly followed Him became like family. They didn’t just get a spiritual buzz on Sunday morning, and then go their separate ways -- they stuck together, and cared for one another. They lived for one another and died for one another. They were generous with one another. Detaching themselves from property and belongings, they sold their personal possessions, and helped those among them who were in need. They considered the needs of others as equal to their own. This was more than a church with a lighted sign, a great band, and a radio show -- this was genuine community. We desperately need this today. In a world of small commitments, broken promises, and a myriad of choices, sticking together is harder than ever before. But there is divine power in it. It’s the Jesus way, and it is the way of the genuine disciple. Stick together! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Wonders and Awe

February 3

(Acts 2:43 NIV) "Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles."

(Luke 7:16 NIV) "They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people.""

(Hebrews 12:28-29 NIV) "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, {29} for our "God is a consuming fire.""

(Habakkuk 3:2 NIV) "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."

When we become devoted to God’s word, to the church, and to prayer, miracles happen. There may be healings, signs, and wonders, but often the miracle is a changed life. Drunks sober up. Fools become wise. Haters are moved to love. When God moves in a visible way, people will be in awe. Jesus saved you so that someone could be awed by His grace. It starts with us, as we stand in awe of God’s love and mercy in our lives. It spreads to those around us as people begin to see the changes in us, and they are affected by the visible work of Jesus. The response won’t always be positive -- the Gospel is a threat to some. But when God’s people live out their faith in positive ways -- when we put the word of God into practice, love our neighbors, pray with power, and live in Christian community, many will be filled with awe. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Early Prayer

February 2

(Acts 2:42 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

(Acts 1:14 NIV) "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."

(Luke 18:1 NIV) "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."

(Philippians 4:6 NIV) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV) "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

The early church was not just about worship, teaching, miracles, and community -- it was also about prayer. They were devoted to prayer, and prayed constantly. They believed that prayer could change things. They saw it work in the lives of people. They prayed for the dead to be raised, and life returned to corpses. They prayed that their witness would draw others to Christ, and people came to the Lord in droves. They would even be seen praying as their bodies perished in the flames and as they were torn apart by wild beasts. They prayed together, and it changed the world. Prayer still changes things, and is vital to the church. We would be wise not to forsake it. The church has enemies who work against it on a daily basis. Will you be one who prays for the church daily? Will you take the time this week to join with other believers in prayer? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Breaking Bread

February 1

(Acts 2:42 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread…"

(Acts 2:46 NIV) "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,"

(Romans 12:4-5 NIV) "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, {5} so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

(Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV) "There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- {5} one Lord, one faith, one baptism; {6} one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

There is a difference of opinion among Bible scholars as to whether the phrase “breaking of bread” speaks of the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, or of the practice of eating together in one another’s homes as family would do. Either way, the early church lived in a state of constant communion. Whether they broke bread in the church or in their homes becomes secondary to the fact that they bonded as family around their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They were in a holy communion with one another, and being together in community around a common table became central to the life of the early church. In our fragmented age, where individual agendas take priority over the common good, we could use a dose of this communal thinking. Having a common Lord should move us toward a common life. Christ founded the church to be His body: one Lord, one faith, one body. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

The Fellowship

January 31

(Acts 2:42 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship…"

(1 John 1:3, 6-7 NIV) "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ… {6} If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. {7} But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."

(2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV) "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Scripture says the early church was devoted to “the fellowship”. This term was used for those who made up the local church. Instead of being self-centered, they became community centered. It is amazing what we can get past when we have someone else’s benefit at heart. Soldiers often have strong differences with fellow soldiers, but they remember who the real enemy is, and they stick together. They have each other’s back. Differences are minimized when there is a common mission. The early church was much the same. Getting our way is less important when our wills are bent toward the good of the community. Unfortunately, rather than watching our back, the church is often known as a place where someone stabs us in the back. This should not be. It is not God’s will for the church. The early church was devoted to the fellowship. That calling has not changed. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Apostles’ Teaching

January 30

(Acts 2:42 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching…”

(Acts 4:33 NIV) "With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all."

(Ephesians 2:19-20 NIV) "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, {20} built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."

Anyone can be devoted -- it’s who or what you are devoted to that is important. The apostles were devoted to Christ and the gospel. They testified constantly to His resurrection. They shared of His love and grace. They conveyed the teaching of Jesus. They preached the word of God. Those who believed became devoted to the teaching of the apostles, which centered on Christ. Are you devoted to the teachings of Jesus found in the word of God? How much time do you spend in the word? Do you really study it and meditate on it? Do you live it out? How much influence does it have in your life? If Jesus looked at your interaction with Him and His word, would He say that you were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, which in reality is His teaching? Stop dissecting the word of God and become devoted to it. There’s a big difference between the two. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Devotion

January 29

(Acts 2:42 NIV) “They devoted themselves…”

(Matthew 6:24 NIV) “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

(Ezekiel 33:31-32 NIV) "My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. {32} Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice."

Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves.” The Greek word translated “devoted” means “to latch onto and refuse to let go.” The early Christians “latched onto” Jesus and this new group called “the church”, and they refused to let go. The Lord wants us to be fully devoted to Him and His Bride, the church. He wants us to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. He wants us to latch onto him and not let go. He wants us to love our brothers and sisters in the church in the same way. This is devotion, and even though it is not in vogue today, it is God’s desire for every believing heart. In a world where long term commitment is rare, and loyalty has little stamina, Jesus calls us to exceptional devotion. Are you “latched onto” Jesus and His Church with a “never let go” commitment? It’s a daily choice that can lead to a lifetime of devotion. Devote yourself today, and refuse to let go. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Church Growth

January 28

(Acts 2:40-41) “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

(Matthew 8:11-12 NIV)  "I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. {12} But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.""

(Daniel 12:10 NIV)  "Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand."

We have a portion of Peter’s Pentecost sermon here in Acts. He spoke “many other words”. In what we have, you don’t hear any “seeker sensitive” stuff. He preached the truth in love, calling people to repent, and to be saved out of their corrupt generation. Then comes this phenomenal evangelism report -- 3,000 were saved. If Peter preached one sermon, and 3,000 were saved, surely we can lead a few people to Jesus in our lifetime. Christians, God has left us here for a reason. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses.” Are you living in a way that anyone would notice Christ in you? Does your life invite people to Jesus, or are you more of a repellant? If you are among those who have not responded publicly to Jesus, let Him save you from this corrupt generation. Be added to the number who will stand before God with His mark and His name. Repent! Today is the day of salvation. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

For the Far Off and the Far Out

January 27

(Acts 2:39 NIV)  “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

(Acts 2:21 NIV) “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

(Mark 16:14-16 NIV) ““Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. {15} He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. {16} Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.””

The Lord is calling. He was calling those in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, and He went to great lengths so they could hear Him. God is still calling us -- and still going to great lengths so that we can hear Him. The gospel of Jesus Christ is meant for all creation to hear. The Holy Spirit doesn’t wait for us to find Jesus. He sends out His word to us while we are still far off. Some of us were even “far out” when we heard the Lord calling. But the call came in, and the Spirit gave us ears to hear. God will call anyone he chooses to call -- high or low, far off or far out. If you have heard His call, or you are hearing it today, that means you have been chosen by God. His call is for you and your children, and it is not wise to ignore it. His promises will never be broken, nor will they be forgotten. So whether you are far off or far out, answer His call. We only get so many chances to do so in a lifetime. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Calling for a Response

January 26

(Acts 2:38 NIV) "Repent and be baptized, 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.” 

(Matthew 3:1-6 NIV) "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea {2} and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." {3} This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" {4} John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. {5} People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. {6} Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River."

(Acts 26:20 NIV) "First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds."

The gospel always calls for a response. When Peter preached the gospel, people asked what they could do. He said, “Repent and be baptized.” Those who came to hear John the Baptist were called to repent and be baptized. Paul’s preaching called for repentance and a response in keeping with repentance. Jesus called people to repent and to follow Him. Repentance demands a change of heart and a change of direction. Baptism is the genuine response of a repentant heart. It’s not something that saves people -- it’s something that saved people do. It’s an act of obedience for those who declare Jesus both Lord and Christ, and who ask Him to wash away their sin. Peter promised that if the people responded to God, God would respond to them and send them the Holy Spirit. The gospel always calls for a response -- and if you respond to God, He will respond to you. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Cut to the Heart

January 25

(Acts 2:37 NIV) ““When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?””

(John 16:6-8 NIV) “Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. {7} But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. {8} When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:”

(2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV)  "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."

Peter boldly preached the truth. What happened next was truly divine. God’s Holy Spirit convicted those who heard Peter’s message. They were cut to the heart and began to cry out for mercy. They experienced a conviction that only the Holy Spirit can produce. Preachers and witnesses take note: there is a fine line between laying guilt on someone and leading them toward godly conviction. Earthly guilt can only take people so far -- heavenly conviction can take them all the way to Jesus. Carnal guilt drives people away -- godly conviction brings them to the foot of the cross. Guilt is used to manipulate, and keeps people in bondage -- godly conviction is designed to set us free. Anyone can dish out guilt -- a few are gifted to help God do surgery on hardened hearts, which promotes true healing. When the Holy Spirit is involved, it’s a good thing to be cut to the heart. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Lord and Christ

January 24

(Acts 2:33-36 NIV) “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. {34} For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand {35} until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet. {36} "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." "'

(Matthew 26:62-68 NIV) "Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" {63} But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." {64} "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." {65} Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. {66} What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered. {67} Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him {68} and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?""

(Romans 10:8-11 NIV)  "But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: {9} That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. {10} For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. {11} As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.""

Peter preached that God had made Jesus both Lord and Christ. This is the declaration that got Jesus killed, and the truth the apostles would be martyred for teaching. These words can still get you killed. People are beheaded, stoned, or thrown off tall buildings for believing this. At the minimum, you will likely be ostracized and ridiculed for witnessing to this truth. Why? Because, if Jesus really is both Lord and Christ, we must do what He says. He is the Boss. You cannot ignore His words just because they are inconvenient or difficult. You cannot selectively obey someone who is both Lord and Christ. We serve Him. We bow down to Him. If you preach this truth, and live it out today, you will likely be persecuted. But it’s still the truth, and Peter was willing to risk his life and his reputation to preach it. We should be willing to do the same. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

He is Risen

January 23

(Acts 2:24-32 NIV) ““But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. {25} David said about him: "'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. {26} Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, {27} because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. {28} You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.' {29} "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. {30} But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. {31} Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. {32} God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.””

(1 Corinthians 15:12-22 NIV) "But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? {13} If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. {14} And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. {15} More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. {16} For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. {17} And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. {18} Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. {19} If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. {20} But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. {21} For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. {22} For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

The foundation of our faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The early church rose up declaring this truth. They didn’t just believe it -- they lived and died for it because they were witnesses of the fact. In the church’s first sermon, Peter declared its centrality. He preached that death could not keep Jesus down. By God’s power, Christ had risen from the dead. Peter noted that the great Jewish hero, King David, had seen the resurrection coming and had spoken of it. Don’t miss the fact that Peter explained current events of his day by looking deeply into God’s word. But more than David’s prophecy, Peter declared that he and many others were witnesses to Christ’s resurrection. It wasn’t just theory -- it happened, and they had seen it. This was a bold and dangerous statement that put the lives of the apostles on the line. They were willing to testify to what God had done. Are you? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Preaching the Gospel

January 22

(Acts 2:22-23 NIV)  ""Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. {23} This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross."

(1 Corinthians 1:20-25 NIV)  "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? {21} For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. {22} Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, {23} but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, {24} but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. {25} For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."

After Peter had straightened out the mockers on the power of the Holy Spirit, he began to preach the gospel. The gospel according to Peter consisted of two parts: the bad news and the good news -- our need, and God’s grace filled solution. Peter defied all modern calls for a positive introduction to his sermon and began with the bad news -- Jesus had died because of them. He later shared the good news that Jesus had also died for them, but he started by looking them in the eye and telling them that Jesus had died because of them. We could have easily been standing with them on that day, because that’s still a true statement. Jesus died because of us. Our sins nailed Jesus to that cross. We will seldom grasp the depth of God’s love and mercy, until we understand that Jesus died because of us. This truth should rid us of all spiritual smugness. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Everyone Who Calls

January 21

(Acts 2:21 NIV) "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

(John 3:16 NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

(Psalms 116:1-6 NIV) ““I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. {2} Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. {3} The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. {4} Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O Lord, save me!" {5} The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. {6} The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.””

(Genesis 12:7-8 NIV) ““The Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him. {8} From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.””

Acts 2:21 is one of the most generous verses in Scripture. “Everyone” can be saved, if we call on the name of the Lord. It’s an echo of John 3:16, where Jesus says, “Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.” Salvation and eternity are available to all who believe God and call upon the name of the Lord. What does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord? It means that in desperation, we cry out, “Save me Lord.” But it’s more than just asking to be saved. It entails a pursuit of God’s blessing. In our heart, we build an altar for the Lord, and lay our life on it. We acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, and submit ourselves to His authority and to His sovereign will. “Calling on the name of the Lord” involves more than just a little prayer. It means a total surrender to Jesus. This is the way of faith and salvation. This is the way to eternal life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Called to Preach

January 20

(Acts 2:14-20 NIV) ““Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. {15} These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! {16} No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: {17} "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. {18} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. {19} I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. {20} The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.””

(Acts 9:17-20 NIV) ““Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." {18} Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, {19} and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. {20} At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.""

(1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV) "Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!"

(Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV) "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, {2} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, {3} and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

When the Holy Spirit comes in power, someone will be called to preach. Here, it was Peter -- later it was Paul -- eventually, it may be you. Peter had no formal training, but God compelled him to preach. Preaching can take many forms, from exposition of the Scriptures, to one-on-one witnessing about what God has done in our lives. Peter opened the Scriptures in a new way, and told the mockers that they were not hearing drunken speech, but the voice of God. He proclaimed the sovereignty of God and the amazing grace of the Lord. He told them that their prophets had seen this day coming, and that the Holy Spirit was being poured out for all people. No one would be excluded from the chance to accept God’s grace. That’s still true today. Jesus calls us to receive Him, and then calls us to preach the gospel in some way. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Mocking God

January 19  

(Acts 2:13 NIV) "Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."

(Matthew 27:37-44 NIV) "Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. {38} Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. {39} Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads {40} and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!" {41} In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. {42} "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. {43} He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" {44} In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him."

When God’s Spirit came in power, many people still did not get it. All they heard was gibberish. They mocked the disciples, saying, “Don’t listen to them, they’re just a bunch of drunks.” They were probably some of the same people who mocked Jesus as He died for their sins on the cross. We can learn from this. We won’t be able to speak everyone’s language, even with God’s help. Some will just never hear. Don’t expect everyone to react with enthusiasm when you share your witness. Many will write you off as an idiot, or as one under some kind of spell. They will ridicule your faith. They mocked Jesus and the disciples -- they will mock you. When the Spirit comes in power to change your life and your language, many will still mock the work of God. They will cover their ears and shake their heads. But keep speaking God’s language, because some will hear. Some will hear! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Communicating God’s Wonders

January 18

(Acts 2:2-8 NIV) "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. {3} They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. {4} All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. {5} Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. {6} When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. {7} Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? {8} Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?” And all those there that day said, “We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, God sounded like wind and looked like fire -- there was no “small, still voice” that day. The city was filled with pilgrims from every nation, and the Spirit enabled the apostles to speak of His wonders in their languages. The power of God also enabled people from every nation to hear of His wonders in their language. Those who spoke were important, but the big story in these verses is those who heard. God’s gift to the apostles was significant, but it had a purpose: to share His wondrous gospel with people who had not yet heard. The gift was not a “perk” -- it was a tool, a means to an end. The Message takes priority over the messengers and the gift that was given to them. How is your “Jesus language”? Can people understand you? Are you communicating God’s truth in a language people can comprehend? Ask for God’s help. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

All Together In One Place

January 17

(Acts 2:1 NIV) "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

(Romans 15:5-6 NIV) "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, {6} so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

(Psalms 133:1 NIV) "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!"

On that first Pentecost after Christ’s ascension, the disciples were “altogether in one place”. They stuck together and waited on God. When the Spirit came to fill and embolden the church, they were “altogether in one place”. Not only does the Holy Spirit bring unity, unity brings the Holy Spirit. It is difficult for God to dwell in a church filled with dissension. God’s Spirit works best where there is harmony. This is why power struggles and infighting are so destructive in the church. It’s why God tells us to continuously work at reconciliation between one another. We can’t be “all together in one place” when we’re busy backstabbing one another. But when the church lives and works together in unity, good things happen as His Spirit moves in power. Petty divisions and personal agendas fade in their importance, and Christ is glorified. What true disciple would not want to see that happen? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Prayer That Works

January 16

(Acts 1:24 NIV)  "Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen"

(Acts 1:14 NIV)  "They all joined together constantly in prayer..."

(Romans 12:12 NIV)  "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

(Philippians 4:6 NIV)  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

The early church prayed constantly because they believed that God is sovereign. They trusted God enough to pray that His sovereign will would be revealed to them, and that it would be worked out in their lives. They wanted to be in the will of God more than they wanted anything else. One of the reasons so many Christians are confused about the will of God these days is that they seldom get down to seeking God’s will in prayer. Couple that with a general apathy about spending time in God’s word, and you end up with sheep who can be led around by almost any shepherd who tickles their ears. They operate by feelings, instead of by the word and prayer. Sincere prayer, coupled with time in the word, can lead us to where God wants us to be. Get back to prayer -- not to get what you want, but to discern what God wants you to have. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Sovereign God

January 15

(Acts 1:23-26 NIV)  "So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. {24} Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen {25} to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." {26} Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."

(Acts 1:15-16 NIV) ""In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) {16} and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled…""

(Acts 4:24-28 NIV) ““When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. {25} You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: "'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? {26} The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' {27} Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. {28} They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.””

The early church believed in the sovereignty of God so strongly that they literally “drew straws” to choose the disciple who would replace Judas. Rather than voting, which would have reflected their choice, they “cast lots”, trusting God to choose, because they believed that God is sovereign. They did their part by offering two godly men, but left the final decision up to their Sovereign Lord. Earlier in Acts, Peter declared that the betrayal of Judas was a fulfillment of Scripture. God’s word said it would happen, and it happened -- because God is sovereign. Later in Acts, the apostles spoke of Herod and Pilate conspiring against Jesus. They declared it the fulfillment of God’s will -- God is sovereign. Is this the God you believe in? Is He the Sovereign Lord of your life? Do you give God opportunities to lead you, or do you run ahead of Him? Are you walking in His sovereign will, or in yours? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Witnessing to the Resurrection

January 14

(Acts 1:21-22 NIV) "Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, {22} beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.""

(Romans 1:1-4 NIV)  "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God-- {2} the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures {3} regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, {4} and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord."

Peter listed two criteria for the man who would replace Judas. First, he would need to have been with them since the beginning of Christ’s ministry. More than just the twelve faithfully followed Jesus. Second, he would need to have personally witnessed the resurrection, for the resurrection was the foundation stone of the early church. It’s where they took their stand. It defined who believed. It validated Jesus as Lord and Savior. It changed the disciples into people who would die for Jesus. They witnessed to it at the cost of their very lives. It was their story, and they stuck to it. Is it your story? Would you give your life to share a testimony of Christ’s resurrection in you? Is it still the foundation stone of your church? What has the risen Jesus done in you? Witness to it! The world knows plenty about what the church is against. Now let’s tell them who we live for, and why. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

It is Written

January 13

(Acts 1:15-20 NIV) "In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) {16} and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus-- {17} he was one of our number and shared in this ministry." {18} (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. {19} Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) {20} "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, "'May another take his place of leadership.'"

(Psalms 69:25 NIV) "May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents."

(Psalms 109:8 NIV) "May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership."

Peter emerged as an early church leader. He stood up, and he spoke up. He addressed the growing number of Christ followers with a message regarding Judas the betrayer. As a leader with integrity, he didn’t sweep failure under the rug. As a godly leader, he set an early precedent -- when he spoke, he spoke from the authority of Scripture. Peter found verses in the Psalms that applied to the betrayer, along with a word about what to do next. The Bible is not just for moral teaching. It can help us make sense of events that happen in our lives, and give us direction about what to do in times of loss, trouble, stress, and betrayal. But we cannot know “it is written”, unless we read the word and become intimately acquainted with it. Read the Bible daily in large and small doses. Ditch the excuses and distractions and make knowing God’s word a priority in your life. It is written! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Christ’s Family Gets It

January 12

(Acts 1:14 NIV) "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."

(Mark 3:20-21 NIV) "Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. {21} When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind.""

(John 7:1-5 NIV) "After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. {2} But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, {3} Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. {4} No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." {5} For even his own brothers did not believe in him."

There are many miracles found in Acts, including Christ’s brothers coming to faith. Mary had pondered her Son’s greatness, but His brothers had been antagonistic. Early in Christ’s ministry they even tracked Him down in order to take Him home with them. They believed He had lost His mind. The delusional and grandiose things He said about Himself seemed ludicrous to them. But as time went by, and they heard of the miracles and the healings, their hearts must have softened a bit. Scripture tells us that the risen Jesus appeared to His mother, Mary, and to His brother, James. It was likely through their testimony that the rest of Christ’s family came to faith. There is a lesson here for us. Do not give up on family members who refuse to believe the Gospel. Continue to be love and light. If the risen Christ lives in us, our family may yet see His glory -- even if it happens after our death. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Disciples Don’t Quit

January 11

(Acts 1:13 NIV)  "When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James."

(Matthew 10:1-4 NIV) "He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. {2} These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; {3} Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; {4} Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him."

(John 17:5-12 NIV)  "And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. {6} "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. {7} Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. {8} For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. {9} I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. {10} All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. {11} I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one. {12} While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled."

It is amazing that eleven of Christ’s twelve original disciples remained together after His death. They had been scattered at His arrest, and it would have been easy to remain that way. They could have gone back to what they were doing before they met Jesus. Their leader had been killed, their lives were in danger, and there was enough collective guilt in their group to sink a ship. But three years of being with Jesus, and witnessing His resurrection, had changed them. They didn’t quit because they had become true followers of Christ. This is a great testimony for us today. Disciples don’t quit! The church today has its fair share of “flash in the pan” Christians -- “fair weather” wannabes who hang around with Jesus as long as it’s convenient, easy, and fun. They were around in Christ’s day too, but deserted Him when the teaching got hard. Don’t be found among them. Don’t quit! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Obedience

January 10

(Acts 1:12 NIV) "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city.”

(Acts 1:4 NIV) "On one occasion, while he 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."

The term “Christian” has taken a beating in recent years. Some new teachers prefer the term “Christ Follower”. But does it really matter what we call those who believe and follow Jesus? The proof of faith is borne out in the content of our living. The early disciples set the tone. They spent enough time with Jesus to receive His teaching, and then, at great risk to their lives, they actually did what Jesus said to do. He told them to “stay in Jerusalem”, and that’s what they did. After His ascension, they returned to Jerusalem. Were they “Christians” or “Christ Followers”? Call them what you will, the hallmark of their faith was obedience to Christ. Will you spend enough time in prayer and in God’s word this year to really hear Him? Will you obey what you hear? As long as God can call us “obedient”, it won’t really matter what the movers and shakers decide to call us. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

He’s Coming Back - Get Busy

January 9

(Acts 1:10-11 NIV) "They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. {11} "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.""

(Matthew 24:29-30, 44-46 NIV) ""Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' {30} "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory… {44} So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. {45} "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? {46} It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.""

(1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV) "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. {12} Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

As Jesus ascended into the clouds, the disciples stood around, looking up to the sky. Two angels came and reminded them that He would be coming back and expecting results. They had better get busy with the kingdom building stuff Jesus had spoken about. Hadn’t He told them it would be good for the servants whose master found them working for Him when he returned? They should stop standing around longing for heaven, and get busy being His disciples here on earth. They were to live every day as if He was coming back today. That’s still a good idea! When we do that, the timeline no longer matters. Get out of the holy huddle. Go out and be His witnesses. Stop critiquing and start loving. Do more praising than complaining. Live like Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and you too can glorify God and live beyond your means. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Ascension - Taken Up

January 8

(Acts 1:9 NIV) "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."

(Acts 1:1-2 NIV) "I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach {2} until the day he was taken up to heaven..."

(Luke 24:50-52 NIV) "When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. {51} While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. {52} Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy."

(Mark 16:19-20 NIV) "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. {20} Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."

Jesus walked the Earth for some forty days after His resurrection from the dead, teaching His disciples, and giving them some important final instructions. Then, He was taken up to heaven before their eyes. The ascension of Christ is one of the most fantastic stories in Scripture. Jesus gave the disciples one last proof of His divinity. People often ask, “Where is heaven?” We don’t know for sure, but we can say with authority that Jesus was “taken up”. He didn’t go down, nor did He go “poof”, and disappear like a magician. He was “taken up to heaven”. So whatever and wherever heaven is, we know that Jesus went up to get there. This is the context of the word “ascend”. Jesus came down to Earth, and He went back up to be with His Father in heaven. We too will one day ascend to meet the Lord in the air. What a glorious day that will be! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

We’re on a Mission from God

January 7

(Acts 1:8 NIV) "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."

(Isaiah 43:10-12 NIV) ""You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. {11} I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. {12} I have revealed and saved and proclaimed-- I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "that I am God."

One of John Belushi’s famous lines in “The Blues Brothers” movie was, “We’re on a mission from God.” This is also what Jesus told His disciples. In his final instructions, He told them that God’s coming baptism would infuse them with a power they had never had before. They would receive this power so that they could be witnesses for the Kingdom of God in their hometowns, in the cities and states near them, and to nations all over the earth. We too, have been set apart to be His witnesses. We’re on a mission from God. When we believe and receive the Holy Spirit, the power of God comes into our lives for a reason: so we can be his witnesses and attract others to His Kingdom. We are called to be His witnesses to those down the road and across the street, and we are to be His witnesses to those in other lands and across the sea. We are on a mission from God! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Stay Focused

January 6

(Acts 1:6-7 NIV) "So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" {7} He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority."

(Matthew 24:36-39 NIV) "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. {37} As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. {38} For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; {39} and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."

As the disciples gathered around the risen Christ, they wanted details about the future. They wanted to know when He would return and restore the Kingdom of God. Jesus told them it was none of their business. His return date was not to take up too much of their time and energy. They were to mind their business, which was establishing the Kingdom of God on earth. That’s still good advice. Stay focused on the right stuff. Stop worrying about what is coming next, or when it is coming. Focus on what you can do now. Light up the world with the love of Jesus. Witness to the power of the life changing Gospel with your changed life. Pray for lost people and for one another. Minister to the poor, the weak, the sick, the addicted, and the dying. Help people find Jesus so their lives can be changed, and their souls can be saved. That’s our business. That’s our mission. Stay focused! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Waiting On God

January 5

(Acts 1:4-5 NIV) "On one occasion, while he 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. {5} For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.""

(Psalm 27:14 NIV) "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

(Psalm 37:7 NIV) "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;"

(Psalm 46:10 NIV) "Be still, and know that I am God;"

(Isaiah 40:31 ESV) “… they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Even though it was dangerous, the risen Christ told His disciples to stay put and remain in Jerusalem. That may be good advice today, as we struggle with commitment and contentment. Fickle spirits contaminate the church, and we end up changing churches as often as we change our socks. There are various excuses. “I’m not being fed… I don’t feel the Spirit… They aren’t friendly enough… Somebody ticked me off.” But usually, the real reasons go deeper. Maybe we were confronted with a hard truth, or called to change a behavior. Perhaps we were asked to contribute, or maybe we just didn’t get our way -- and so we bail. But before we change churches, we should consider changing our hearts. Moving around is not necessarily moving up. If we leave Jerusalem before it’s time, we may miss what God has for us. There may be exceptions, but consider staying put for now. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Stay Put

January 4

(Acts 1:4 NIV) "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem…"

(Philippians 4:11-13 NIV) "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. {12} I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. {13} I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

(Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Even though it was dangerous, the risen Christ told His disciples to stay put and remain in Jerusalem. That may be good advice today, as we struggle with commitment and contentment. Fickle spirits contaminate the church, and we end up changing churches as often as we change our socks. There are various excuses. “I’m not being fed… I don’t feel the Spirit… They aren’t friendly enough… Somebody ticked me off.” But usually, the real reasons go deeper. Maybe we were confronted with a hard truth, or called to change a behavior. Perhaps we were asked to contribute, or maybe we just didn’t get our way -- and so we bail. But before we change churches, we should consider changing our hearts. Moving around is not necessarily moving up. If we leave Jerusalem before it’s time, we may miss what God has for us. There may be exceptions, but consider staying put for now. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Forty Days of Preaching the Kingdom

January 3

(Acts 1:3 NIV) "After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God."

(John 20:26-31 NIV) "A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" {27} Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." {28} Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" {29} Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." {30} Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. {31} But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

(1 Corinthians 15:1-8 NIV)  "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. {2} By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. {3} For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, {4} that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, {5} and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. {6} After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. {7} Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, {8} and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born."

After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days appearing to people, convincing them that He was alive. He walked among them. He ate and drank with them. They touched Him and listened to Him as He preached about the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is mentioned over fifty times in the Gospels, and was Christ’s favorite topic following His resurrection. It is the most important topic we can consider. How we respond to the Lordship of Christ is crucial. It is the most lasting thing about us. How we think of Jesus affects the course of our life, and will determine our eternal destiny. Jesus wants to be more than just our Savior from sin. He also wants to be Lord and King of our life. Only when we live as citizens of Christ’s Kingdom can we experience life to its fullest, and live beyond our means spiritually. We never outgrow our need for teaching about the Kingdom of God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Dr. Luke - A Giant of the Faith

January 2

(Acts 1:1-2 NIV) “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach {2} until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.”

(Luke 1:1-4 NIV) "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, {2} just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. {3} Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, {4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."

Most Bible scholars agree that a physician named Luke was the author of Acts, and that the “former book” he speaks of is what we know as the Gospel of Luke. He wasn’t one of the original disciples, but came to faith early in the church’s history. Luke was a physician who accompanied some of the early disciples on their journeys. He is also referred to in several of Paul’s epistles. The Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts were likely a two-volume set, written to share the story of Jesus and the early church. Luke had been commissioned by a man named Theophilus. Early in the Gospel of Luke, this man is referred to as “most excellent Theophilus”, which indicates that he was a high-ranking government official -- one who had become a seeker of truth. Luke gave him a full dose of Jesus, and if we finish his book, that’s what we will also get from this giant of the faith. Thank you Dr. Luke. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Living Beyond Your Means

January 1

(Acts 1:1-2 NIV) “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach {2} until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.”

The first two verses of the book of Acts give us some important details about Jesus Christ. He lived and died, and then was raised to life again. After His resurrection, He taught His chosen apostles in the power of the Holy Spirit, preparing them for His departure. He was then taken up to heaven by God. In two verses, Luke recognizes the sovereignty of God, establishes the resurrection and the ascension as historical events, and declares the apostles as divinely chosen to establish Christ’s church. Many books in the Bible teach what Christianity should look like when lived out in the individual believer. The book of Acts teaches what Christianity should look like when lived out corporately as the church. It is the story of ordinary people trusting in God fully, and being enabled to do things that were far beyond their ability. By faith, they lived beyond their means -- and by faith, we can too. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day