Servant Hearts

May 15

(Acts 10:22-23 NIV) ““The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." {23} Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along.””

(Colossians 1:3-7 NIV) “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, {4} because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- {5} the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel {6} that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. {7} You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,”

(Titus 1:1 NIV) "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness--"

(James 1:1 NIV) "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings."

(2 Peter 1:1 NIV) "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:"

(Jude 1:1 NIV) "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ:"

The Church of Jesus Christ would not have grown without those who had a heart to serve the King of kings. People with a servant’s heart went to get Peter for Cornelius. People with a servant’s heart went with Peter to the house of Cornelius. Paul, James Peter, and Jude preached the gospel, discipled new believers, and wrote letters to the churches that have survived to this day… because they had servant’s hearts. Their pay was minimal -- their investment was huge. They and millions of nameless servants down through the ages endured hardships, faced danger, and sacrificed their lives so that we could have a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to pass it on. “Non-serving Christian” is an oxymoron. How are you serving the Lord? In big ways and small ways, find some way to serve the Lord today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

No Coincidence

May 14

(Acts 10:17-21 NIV) “While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. {18} They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. {19} While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. {20} So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." {21} Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for.”

(Habakkuk 2:3 NIV) “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

(Proverbs 19:21 NIV) “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.”

(Romans 8:28 NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The word coincidence is not in God’s vocabulary. It was no coincidence that Peter’s vision of unclean animals immediately preceded a visit from some “unclean” Gentile servants of Cornelius. Peter decided that the timing of these events was not a coincidence. When dealing with “God stuff”, pay attention to timing. God may send us messages in multiple forms. When the Lord wants to move us, He often uses more than one vehicle. Pay attention to the timing of events in your life. Sometimes, multiple people will give us the same message. Sometimes, what we perceive as a negative event takes us to a new place in our life, and when we arrive we realize that it was a “God thing”. Sometimes, when doors close, others can open at almost the same time. Pay attention to timing -- that series of coincidences may not be coincidental at all. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

God’s Thing is New Things

May 13

(Acts 10:11-16 NIV) ““He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. {12} It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. {13} Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." {14} "Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." {15} The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." {16} This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.””

(Isaiah 43:19 NIV) “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

(Revelation 21:5 NIV) ““He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.””

God’s thing is new things. We crave consistency -- God is continuously making things new. It is His prerogative -- He is sovereign. Who are we to dispute His desire, or His object of change? God had been clear about clean and unclean foods, but in a vision He told Peter that this was changing. Peter could now eat foods that were previously forbidden. The vision was a preview of the new concept that God’s ultimate food, Jesus, the Bread of Life, was to be available to everyone, even those who had been formerly declared unclean. The Roman Centurion and all other Gentiles were declared worthy of God’s grace. God does not change, but the practices of His people can change. The church tends to enshrine practices and close their eyes to new vision. It should be the other way around. The Lord can do a new thing whenever He wants. Let’s make sure we don’t get in His way. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day     

Double Vision

May 12

(Acts 10:9-17 NIV) ““About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. {10} He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. {11} He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. {12} It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. {13} Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." {14} "Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." {15} The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." {16} This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. {17} While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate.””

(Acts 26:19-23 NIV) ""So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. {20} 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. {21} That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. {22} But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen-- {23} that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.""

Soon after Cornelius received a vision from the Lord, Peter received his own vision. It was a case of “double vision”. Peter was to begin to consider as “clean” anything that God had made “clean”. He would soon discover that this included people as well as food. Just to be sure Peter got the message, God repeated it three times. Like Cornelius, Peter was obedient to his vision and took the gospel to the house of a despised Roman Gentile. Later Paul the apostle would also receive a vision to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Jesus has died for the sins of the world, not just for the Jews. All of these men obeyed their visions and took action. They went where God told them to go at great risk to themselves. Their obedience is why we have the Church today. Have you been obedient to the vision God has given you? He sends us to those who need to hear the truth. Obey and go! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Obedience to the Vision

May 11

(Acts 10:3, 5-8 NIV) ““One day, at about three in the afternoon, he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"… {5} Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. {6} He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." {7} When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. {8} He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.””

(Acts 16:9-10 NIV) ““During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." {10} After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.””

Cornelius had a very specific vision. He was to send some men to bring Peter to his house. He obeyed the vision, but if he had complied with the customs of his day, he would never have done so. Roman Centurions did not usually invite Jews into their homes. The Romans had conquered the Jews and considered them a weird and strange people. But Cornelius was obedient to the vision, and it changed the history of the church. Paul also had a vision about going to Macedonia. He too obeyed, and once again, history was changed. Obedience to the vision God gives us is crucial to the Kingdom of God. You don’t have to be a mystic to receive vision -- just read the Bible. God’s word can speak plenty of vision into our lives today. We can receive direction from God on a daily basis. Will you be obedient to the vision God gives to you? If so, you could be involved in changing history. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Our Memorial Offering to God

May 10

(Acts 10:3-4 NIV) ““One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" {4} Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.””

(2 Corinthians 9:6-9 NIV) ““Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. {7} Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. {8} And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. {9} As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.””

(Revelation 5:6-8 NIV) “Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. {7} He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. {8} And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”

The wise Christian thinks of eternity daily, for we live with one foot on Earth and the other in Heaven. We consider our earthly legacy, but more importantly, we are mindful of our eternal legacy. We consider what is of worth in God’s sight and how God will remember us. Scripture lists at least two things that constitute the kind of memorial noticed by God -- our prayers and our giving to the poor. The time we spend with God because of our love for Him, and what we give away to help others, are like putting our best foot forward into heaven. God noticed these two things about Cornelius. When done with the right heart today, these two things still rise like incense to Heaven as a pleasing aroma before the Lord. How are you doing in these two areas? Do you pray because you love God? Is your giving to the poor memorable? Intimate prayer and generous giving still please God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Religious, But Not Related

May 9

(Acts 10:1-5 NIV) ““At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. {2} He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. {3} One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" {4} Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. {5} Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.””

(Matthew 8:5-13 NIV) ““When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. {6} "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." {7} Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." {8} The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. {9} For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." {10} When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. {11} 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." {13} Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.””

(Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Cornelius, a Centurion in the Roman army, was a good man. He was devout and religious, and he had gotten God’s attention because of his generosity and compassion. But he still lacked one vital thing -- he did not yet know Jesus. He was religious, but not yet related. God wanted to see him receive eternal life, but in spite of all his goodness, the Centurion was not ready to face God. He needed more than goodness and religion. The same is true for us. We need more than religion, kindness, generosity, and compassion. We need a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We can be a good person, go to church, be generous, and treat others with compassion, but we can still die lost if we have never really met the Savior and become a disciple of the Lord Jesus. As we will see, God sent Peter to Cornelius, and Cornelius believed the gospel. We would be wise to do the same. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Hospitality

May 8

(Acts 9:43 NIV) "Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon."

(Romans 12:13 NIV) "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

(Romans 16:23 NIV) "Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings."

(1 Peter 4:8-9 NIV) "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. {9} Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."

It would be easy to skip over Acts 9:43 as an insignificant addition to a miraculous story of healing and resurrection. But it’s an important detail. It highlights the hospitality of a common working man named Simon. He was a tanner, and probably good at his trade, but he is not immortalized for excelling at his craft. He is known because he hosted Peter for “some time”. The early apostles depended on hospitality wherever they traveled. The gospel was not a money-making business, and they had no “travel benefits”. It is safe to say that the gospel would not have prospered like it did in those early days had there not been people willing to host those who were fearlessly preaching. Common everyday people, most of them nameless, helped propel the name of Jesus onto the world stage, by sacrificing to practice hospitality. Take a moment today and thank God for their work. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Giving the Miracle a Voice

May 7

(Acts 9:41-42 NIV) “Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. {42} This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV) “Do not quench the Spirit.”

(Psalm 96:3 NIV) “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

Miracles were not meant to be kept secret. They are granted to glorify God. For that reason, at some point we should give the miracle a voice. When someone repents and turns to Christ, spiritually they have been raised from the dead. The best thing we can do for them after that is to lead them to tell someone. We present them to others alive. Peter did this with Dorcas. He took her out in public and presented her alive to the people. Peter gave the miracle a voice. Jesus does miracles today. Some of those miracles are reading this page right now. Give those miracles a voice. It’s sad that so many of God’s miracles never see the light of day because they are never declared. Thus, they fail to accomplish God’s purpose of glorifying his Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit is quenched by human reluctance. Proclaim the victory. Souls are at stake. Give the miracle a voice. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Hand’s On Ministry

May 6

(Acts 9:41a NIV) “He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet.”

(Mark 8:22-25 NIV) ““They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. {23} He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" {24} He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." {25} Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.””

(Luke 13:10-13 NIV) ““On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, {11} and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. {12} When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." {13} Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.””

Praying and speaking words of life are important, but one more thing is often called for in ministry. At some point we are all called to take another’s hand and help them to their feet. If our ministry is indeed a ministry of Christ, it will often become a “hands on” ministry. We are called to intercede in prayer, to speak the words of life, and sometimes to become the hands of Jesus here on Earth. We embrace that grieving parent. We cuddle that child who is in pain. We reach down and offer a hand to those who have fallen. We lay our hands on the sick and ask for their healing. We hold the hands of those who walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We are called to be the healing, holding, and helping hands of Jesus in a world filled with desperate, destitute, and dying people. Never underestimate the power of a touch from Jesus. Reach out and use your hands for God’s glory. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Speaking Words of Life

May 5

(Acts 9:40b NIV) “Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.”

(Luke 7:11-16 NIV) ““Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. {12} As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out--the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. {13} When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry." {14} Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" {15} The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. {16} 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.””

(John 6:63-68 NIV) ““The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. {64} Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. {65} He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." {66} From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. {67} "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. {68} Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.””

When Peter confronted death in the house where Tabitha’s body had been placed, he prayed first. But then he spoke words of life to her, telling her to rise up. Prayer should come first, but at some point we are called to speak words of life into those around us. Words of life can be as simple as telling the story of what Jesus has done for you. They can be spoken when we ask another if we can pray for them. They can be shared when we explain the gospel to someone and ask if they would like to receive Jesus. Prayer is a great calling and should never be forsaken, but speaking words of life is of equal importance. One should not replace the other -- they work in tandem. When we fail to speak the words of life, we deny our full calling, and foolishly attempt to defeat the enemy with one hand tied behind our back. Pray, and speak the words of life into those dying around you. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Power of Prayer

May 4

(Acts 9:40a NIV) “Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed.”

(Mark 9:25-29 NIV) ““When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." {26} The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." {27} But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. {28} After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" {29} He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.””

(John 11:41-44 NIV) ““So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. {42} I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." {43} When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" {44} The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go.””

Before Peter did anything for Dorcas, “he got down on his knees and prayed”. Before he spouted off to God, or asked God for anything, he prayed. He had learned from Jesus that big miracles require prayer. Resurrection and healing take place where people pray -- really pray. The genesis of healing and resurrection in our lives, and in the lives of those we love, is prayer. Have you prayed for a resurrection in the life of that one you love? We cannot defeat death in this world unless we unleash the hounds of heaven on it. Most of us would say that we want our friends, relatives, and neighbors to be saved. Have you prayed for them today? Prayer calls on the Lord of love and power to intervene where we are powerless. It asks God to do things that we could never do by ourselves. Whether death is physical or spiritual, only the power of God can raise the dead. Pray! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Asking for Help

May 3

(Acts 9:38 NIV) ““Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!””

(Matthew 15:21-22 NIV) ““Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. {22} A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.””

(Matthew 17:14-15 NIV) ““When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. {15} "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.””

(Luke 8:40-42 NIV) “Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. {41} Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house {42} because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.”

Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, had some friends who were very wise. When she got sick and died, they appealed to Peter for God’s help. It’s always good to ask God for help. Why then, is that so hard for us to do? Where did our “I can handle it myself” attitude come from? It starts early in life. We hear kids who are barely three years old saying, “I can do it myself.” It is an innate flaw. It is part of our fallen human nature. And it’s a killer. It isolates us from others and weakens us. It also denies others the joy of helping us. So we must fight against our tendency to not ask for help. If we don’t, we set ourselves up to fail, and eventually, we will even push God out of our lives. Tabitha’s friends asked for help. They did the right thing. Be wise and do the same. Learn to ask for help. It will change your life! It may even save your life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Good People Die Every Day

May 2

(Acts 9:36-39 NIV) ““In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas ), who was always doing good and helping the poor. {37} About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. {38} Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" {39} Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.””

(John 11:23-27 NIV) ““Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." {24} Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." {25} Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; {26} and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" {27} "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.””

(John 11:38-45 NIV)  ““Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. {39} "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." {40} Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" {41} So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. {42} I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." {43} When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" {44} The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." {45} Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him.””

Dorcas and Lazarus were kind and generous people who put others ahead of themselves, but they got sick and died. Good people get sick and die every day. Being sick and dying has little to do with how good you are. Many good people got sick and died while Jesus and his disciples walked this earth. Healing and raising the dead were indeed miraculous, but they were not the high water mark of Christ’s or Peter’s ministries. They were not the end game. There came a day when Dorcas and Lazarus died again, and their decayed bodies await the final resurrection. Their healings were temporary miracles that did not exempt them from eventual death and judgment. The same is true for us. The only lasting miracles are Christ’s resurrection and ascension, and His promised return for those who belong to Him. These miracles top them all, and provide our only real hope for eternal life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Miracle Grow

May 1

(Acts 9:34-35 NIV) ““Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up. {35} All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.””

(Acts 9:41-42 NIV) “He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. {42} This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.”

(John 10:25 NIV) “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me,”

(John 10:37-38 NIV) “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. {38} But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”

The miracles done by the apostles were done to glorify Christ and grow His Kingdom. When we read in Scripture about someone being healed or raised from the dead, the next thing we usually read is that many people believed and turned to the Lord. Miracles demonstrated the Lordship of Jesus. Today, when we see someone healed on a television ministry, the next thing we usually see is a toll-free number where we can send money, or buy some holy trinket that will heal us too -- if we have enough faith. The disciples did miracles that grew God’s Kingdom. Today, miracles are often done to grow someone’s bank account. Miracles done in Christ’s name should glorify His name. That’s something we should remember in this guru- seeking, celebrity-worshipping culture. The miraculous should grow God’s Kingdom, not increase someone’s bottom line. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Waiting on the Lord

April 30

(Acts 9:32-43 NIV) “As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. {33} There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years.”

(Matthew 9:20-22 NIV) ““Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. {21} She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." {22} Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.””

(Luke 13:10-13 NIV) ““On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, {11} and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. {12} When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." {13} Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.””

(John 5:5-9 NIV) ““One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. {6} When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" {7} "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." {8} Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." {9} At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.””

In this day of instant everything, it is difficult for us to wait. The man Peter healed had been confined to a bed for eight years. The other Scriptures today listed people who had been waiting for healing even longer. But when these verses are preached today, it’s usually the instant healing that gets the attention and emphasis. That’s what most of us want. We want that moment of healing… but what about the years of waiting? Is that time not also under God’s sovereign hand? Is God just sleeping during those times? We must accept the waiting in order to get to the holy moment of healing. We must learn to wait upon the Lord. Suffering while we wait may be one of our most difficult tasks as disciples of Jesus, but there are great things to be learned in the wilderness of pain. Wait upon the Lord. You won’t be sorry you did. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Advocate

April 29

Acts 9:27-28 NIV) “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. {28} So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.”

(Job 16:19-21 NIV) “Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. {20} My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; {21} on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.”

(1 John 2:1-2 ESV) “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. {2} He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Some wanted nothing to do with this new convert named Saul. They didn’t trust him, or want him in their church. But Saul had an advocate in Barnabas. Barnabas got to know Saul. He listened to his heart, and realized that Saul was genuine. So he took the risk of being an advocate for Saul. He stood up for Saul among the church leaders and encouraged them to open their hearts to the miracle of conversion. He called on them to welcome this new face into the church. All of us need an advocate at times -- here on earth, and again when we stand before God. Who will be your advocate when you stand before God? There is only one who has enough influence with the Father to successfully advocate on our behalf. His name is Jesus. He wants to get to know you. He has a heart for you. Do you know Jesus well enough to count on Him as an advocate? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Good Times - Hard Times

April 28

(Acts 9:31 NIV) “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”

(Matthew 13:19-23 NIV) “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.”

(Hebrews 10:32-39 NIV) ““Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. {33} Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. {34} You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. {35} So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. {36} You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. {37} For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. {38} But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." {39} But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.””

Saul was converted and started preaching. His life was threatened and he fled. And the church grew stronger. Church growth does not always happen just during good times. Hard times can grow us as much as the good times. Life is seldom all good, or all bad. It is mixed together like a stew. We’ve been led to believe by our ancient foe that hard times mean we are losing. That’s not true. If we fold up and bail out every time things get tough, we will never win. Winning armies, winning teams, and winning churches, will endure losses on their pathway to victory. Good times and hard times come together in a package. Persecution is the norm for the faithful church, but so is winning souls in the midst of adversity. Anyone who lives as Christ’s disciple will suffer losses. Get over it, and get on with it. We are on our way to winning. The early church thrived in times of great testing -- so can we! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Fight or Flee

April 27

(Acts 9:23-25 NIV) “After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, {24} but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. {25} But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.”

(Acts 9:29-30 NIV) “He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. {30} When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.”

(1 Samuel 19:8-12 NIV) ““Once more war broke out, and David went out and fought the Philistines. He struck them with such force that they fled before him. {9} But an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the harp, {10} Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape. {11} Saul sent men to David's house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David's wife, warned him, "If you don't run for your life tonight, tomorrow you'll be killed." {12} So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped.””

Sometimes you fight -- sometimes you flee. At times Saul stood his ground… other times he ran for his life. King David did the same. Those with wisdom know whether to fight, or to flee. Only a fool does one or the other, all of the time. Those who flee from every battle, never finding a hill worth dying on, seldom make an impact on this world. But those who never back down, who make every molehill into a mountain worth dying on, seldom last long. Being courageous in the face of overwhelming odds is sometimes the right choice. Retreating so that we can live to fight another day is sometimes an even better choice. Saul fled, because Damascus and Jerusalem were not the hills he was destined to die on. One day he would stand toe to toe with kings and emperors, but not yet. Sometimes you fight -- sometimes you flee. Choose your battles wisely. It’s a sign of wisdom. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Truth That Attracts and Angers

April 26

(Acts 9:22-23 NIV) “Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. {23} After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him…”

(Acts 9:29 NIV) “He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.”

(John 8:31-40 NIV) ““To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. {32} Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." {33} They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" {34} Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. {35} Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. {36} So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. {37} I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. {38} I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father." {39} "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. {40} As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.””

The truth about God’s grace and mercy began to flow out of Saul, and many were attracted to his message. His passion was contagious, and as his credibility and influence grew, his following increased. Truth is attractive to many people, and yet it angers so many others. There were those who hated Saul and his message enough to try to kill him. Some will just never love the truth. The same thing happened to Jesus, and it can happen to us. When we tell the truth about Christ and His influence in our lives, some will appreciate our words and be drawn to the Lord; but others will despise us and the truth of the gospel. Some will be inspired -- others will conspire. Some will work alongside us -- others will work against us. We have no say in what response we get. It’s really none of our business who listens and who doesn’t. God will sort that out. Just keep telling the truth. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Living It Down

April 25

(Acts 9:21 NIV)  "All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?"

(Acts 9:26 NIV) “When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.”

(Proverbs 22:1 NIV “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

A bad reputation is hard to live down. Saul’s reputation caused fear instead of faith in the people he went to share his story with. You can’t blame them. He had done them harm. It took him a while to live that reputation down. The phrase “live it down”, is instructive. We speak about someone “living down” a reputation. The irony is that the reputation we must “live down” was usually obtained from what culture calls “living it up”. It can take years to “live it down” after some time of “living it up”. We end up being shackled by what we thought was freedom. What we thought would bring happiness, causes despair. Saul had a hard time living down his reputation -- so will we. Be careful about the reputation you are constructing through daily choices. One brick at a time, one day at a time, your reputation is being built. Work at building a reputation you won’t have to live down. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

New Song

April 24

(Acts 9:20-21 NIV) “At once he (Saul) began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. {21} All those who heard him were astonished…”

(1 Samuel 10:6 NIV) "The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person."

(Psalms 40:3 NIV) "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

After Saul was healed of his blindness, he immediately began to preach that Jesus is Lord. He had been changed into a different person. God had put a new song in his mouth. People were astonished that this man, who had once arrested Christians as heretics, was now preaching Jesus in synagogues. He sang his new song anywhere people would listen. He had a passion you don’t get from reading books about God. Saul’s main message in the beginning was his conversion story. He repeated it over and over again to groups and to individuals. He was awestruck at the mercy of God in the face of his sin. Saul preached Jesus with a fervor that could only come from meeting the Lord personally. It doesn’t take a seminary degree to preach Jesus -- all it takes is a conversion. Have you been changed by Jesus? Then you have a message. Preach it! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Keeping the Right Company

April 23

(Acts 9:19b NIV) “Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.”

(1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV) ““Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character.””

(2 Corinthians 6:14-17 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? {15} What harmony is there between Christ and Belial ? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? {16} What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." {17} "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.””

Saul started off on the right foot in his new Christian life -- he started hanging around with the disciples. The company we keep has an impact on our life. We are influenced by those with whom we choose to associate. One term for this is fellowship. Fellowship is about more than just having fun with Christian friends -- it’s about getting close enough to absorb some of Christ’s character from those who have walked with Jesus longer than we have. Saul learned about faith, love, hope, mercy, and perseverance from the disciples. His life was enriched by his time with them. Hanging around with mature disciples is important to our spiritual growth. The biblical model of discipleship is not just learning stuff from our teachers, but becoming like them. We become like those we hang around with. Saul chose to hang around with genuine disciples of Jesus. We should do the same. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

No Christianity Lite

April 22        

(Acts 9:16 NIV)  “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

(Romans 5:1-4 NIV) "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, {2} through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. {3} Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; {4} perseverance, character; and character, hope."

(Romans 8:17-18 NIV) "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. {18} I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

(Philippians 3:10-11 NIV) "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, {11} and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

(Hebrews 10:32-36 NIV) "Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. {33} Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. {34} You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. {35} So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. {36} You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

(1 Peter 4:12-19 NIV) "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. {13} But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. {14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. {15} If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. {16} However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. {17} For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? {18} And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" {19} So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

There would be no Christianity Lite or Prosperity Gospel for Saul. Right up front, he is informed that he is destined for suffering. His temporary blindness would be the easy part. This suffering would last his entire lifetime. He was hunted down and beaten, stoned within an inch of his life, shipwrecked and stranded at sea, bitten by snakes, and cursed by men. He lived without food or money much of the time, and in the end, the gospel would cost him his very life. We are so into “seeker friendly, sugar coated, what’s-in-it-for-me” Christianity today that it’s tough for us to believe Jesus would say something like this -- but He did. One wonders how attendance numbers would be affected if every church welcome packet contained this warning. Saul would suffer -- and so will we. If you’re not ready for that, you’re not ready for the real Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Chosen Instrument

April 21        

(Acts 9:15 NIV) “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.”

(Ephesians 1:11-14 NIV) "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, {12} in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. {13} And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, {14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory."

(2 Timothy 2:20-21 NIV) "In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. {21} If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."

The Lord chose Ananias to be His instrument to bring healing and salvation to Saul. Christ chose Saul to be His instrument to carry His Name to the Gentiles. God chose Moses to be His instrument to bring deliverance to the Israelites enslaved in Egypt. Ananias, Saul, and Moses were God’s chosen instruments for someone, and so are you! If we are in Christ, we are His chosen instruments to bring Him glory, to be His witnesses, to carry His name, and to share His gospel. You may be called to just one person, like Ananias, or you may be called to a nation or people group, like Saul and Moses. But you are Christ’s chosen instrument for someone. All that matters is if you perform the function for which you were chosen -- for if you do your job as an instrument of the Lord, someone will likely find Jesus and gain eternity because of your faith and obedient service. And that’s what it’s all about. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Scales Come Off

April 20

(Acts 9:17-19 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.”

(John 12:35-40 NIV) ““Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. {36} Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. {37} Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. {38} This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" {39} For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: {40} "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn--and I would heal them.””

Ananias chose to obey the Lord. He went and laid hands on Saul, and something like scales fell off of Saul’s eyes. But scales also came off of Saul’s blinded and hardened heart. After this day, Saul never saw Jesus, or the church, in the same way again. He had new eyes, and a new heart. Saul’s conversion serves as an example of God’s sovereignty, and man’s free will. In His sovereignty, the Lord blinded Saul. He was neither the first nor the last to be blinded by our sovereign Lord. But then, because Ananias freely chose to obey God, he became an angel of mercy in Saul’s life. Our “angels of mercy” often are flesh and blood people who choose to obey Christ. Ananias chose to minister, and Saul was healed. He was baptized as a new believer, and regained his strength. God’s sovereign will and man’s free will worked together. The result was an apostle who changed the world. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Reluctant Disciples

April 19

(Acts 9:13-14 NIV) ““Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. {14} And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.””

(Exodus 3:10-11 NIV) ““So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." {11} But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?””

(Exodus 4:1 NIV) ““Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?””

(Exodus 4:10-13 NIV) ““Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." {11} The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? {12} Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." {13} But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it.””

The Lord called on Ananias to go and minister to Saul, but Ananias was reluctant. Saul had a nasty reputation in Christian circles. Ananias questioned God and balked at doing what God told him to do. There was danger involved, and he didn’t want to go. He sounds a lot like Moses in Exodus. Have you ever argued with Jesus like this? We make excuses. We drag our feet. At times, we flat out refuse. The Lord works with so many reluctant disciples, it’s a wonder He doesn’t just pull the plug on us all. Most of God’s tests do not have multiple choice answers. They are usually “Yes” or “No” questions, and with God, the correct answer is always “Yes”. God seldom makes suggestions. Mostly, He issues commands, and when God says “Go”, our answer should never be “No”. Somebody has to do the hard stuff. On that day it was Ananias. Today it may be you. Say “Yes”. Go! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Prayer Meeting on Straight Street

April 18

(Acts 9:8-11 NIV) ““Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. {9} For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. {10} In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. {11} The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.””

 (Jonah 2:1-10 NIV) ““From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. {2} He said: "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. {3} You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. {4} I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.' {5} The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. {6} To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. {7} "When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. {8} "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. {9} But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord." {10} And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.””

After Saul’s encounter with Jesus, he went to a house on Straight Street in Damascus. For three days Saul sat in darkness -- the same amount of time Christ spent in the darkness of the tomb. Saul was blind, afraid, and confused; but while he waited there, he prayed. We do not know precisely what Saul prayed, but it was likely a deeply theological and pious prayer like, “Help!” Sometimes that one-word prayer is all we can manage in times of deep distress and crisis. Saul knew the Lord was not happy with how he had been living. He didn’t know what was going to happen next… perhaps he would even die in Damascus. So in Acts 9:11, Saul prays a “911” prayer. Like Jonah in the belly of the great fish, Saul cried out for mercy. God heard his prayer and sent a deliverer. God still hears “911” prayers. If you are living in darkness today, cry out to the Lord and He will send a deliverer. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Obedience Times Two

April 17

(Acts 9:10-11 NIV) ““In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. {11} The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.””

(Acts 9:17 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.”

(1 Chronicles 21:18-19 NIV)  "Then the angel of the Lord ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. {19} So David went up in obedience to the word that Gad had spoken in the name of the Lord."

(Hebrews 11:8-10 NIV) "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. {9} By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. {10} For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

One of the things that we can forget as a people saved by grace through faith, is that faith always has an element of obedience in it. Without obedience, we would have very few of the great Bible stories that we know and love. When the Lord told Saul to go to Damascus and wait, Saul obeyed and went. When the Lord told Ananias to go and minister to Saul, Ananias obeyed and went. When God called David to go and build an altar, David obeyed and went. When God told Abraham to go to what would become Israel, Abraham obeyed and went. Because these men were obedient and went where God told them to go, we have all been blessed beyond measure. God can work through even the reluctant disciple, if that disciple will go where they are told to go and do what they are told to do. Will you be that kind of disciple? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

A Familiar Pattern

April 16

(Acts 9:4-5 NIV) ““As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. {4} He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" {5} "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied.””

(Acts 9:8 NIV) “Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.”

(John 9:24-39 NIV) ““A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God, " they said. "We know this man is a sinner." {25} He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" {26} Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" {27} He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?" {28} Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! {29} We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from." {30} The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. {31} We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. {32} Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. {33} If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." {34} To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out. {35} Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" {36} "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." {37} Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you." {38} Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. {39} Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.””

There is a common pattern in the salvation stories of those who come to the Lord later in life. Many, like Saul, start out cursing Jesus and His church. We’re blind to God’s grace. But then something happens in life. We are knocked to the ground and realize our blindness. As we lay there in the dust of our sin, we have two choices: we can remain face down in the dirt, cursing God; or we can look up, and be open to something different. If we choose the latter, we begin to hear God. Our friends may not hear anything, but we do. It’s our time. Jesus is calling our name. We ask, “Who are you?” and realize that it is the Lord. When we hear God, we have another choice -- remain where we are, or get up and do what God says. Saul chose the latter… we should too. Leave that desert road of indecision! Make the walk into your Damascus, and you too can be healed and saved. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Whacked and Commanded

April 15

(Acts 9:6-7 NIV) ““Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." {7} The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. {8} Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. {9} For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.””

(Luke 9:23-26 NIV) ““Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. {24} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. {25} What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? {26} If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.””

(James 1:22-25 NIV) “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. {23} Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror {24} and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. {25} But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.”

On the road to Damascus, Jesus whacked Saul upside the head. If that image bothers you, try to come up with a better phrase for being knocked to the ground and made blind. While Christ had Saul’s attention, He issued a command: “Go into the city and wait.” Saul obeyed. Being knocked down and blinded promotes obedience. Along with all the correct teaching today about the love of Jesus, we must not forget that our Lord has an infinite amount of power. Sometimes God is gentle with us. On other occasions, for reasons known only to Him, He takes a firmer hand. Saul experienced the awesome power of God -- not a gentle breeze or a still small voice, but a whack upside the head from God Almighty. The road to Damascus is never smooth, and it will always humble us. It is populated with proud and stubborn people, who often take some mighty convincing. Never fear -- Jesus is up to the task. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Damascus Road Experience

April 14

(Acts 9:3-5 NIV) ““As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. {4} He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" {5} "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied.””

(Acts 26:9-15 NIV) ““I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. {10} And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. {11} Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. {12} "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. {13} About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. {14} We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' {15} "Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' "'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied.””

Saul had been busy beating up on the Bride of Christ, but as he headed down that desert road to Damascus, he met the Groom -- and the Groom was not happy. He knocked Saul to the ground, giving him a taste of his own medicine. Saul had the good sense to address this forceful light as “Lord”, asking “Lord, who are you?” His heart skipped a beat, and his breath left him, as he heard a voice say, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Saul was not only leveled that day, he was humbled. He not only ended up eating dust -- he ended up eating his words. He certainly must have feared for his life. Jesus had Saul’s attention, and Saul was now listening. What will it take to get your attention? Will it take a Damascus Road Experience? Will you have to be knocked flat on your back before you look up and finally listen? Maybe today, God is saying to you, “Don’t make me come down there.” Listen! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Misdirected Zeal

April 13

(Acts 9:1-3 NIV) "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest {2} and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”

(Philippians 3:4-6 NIV) "If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: {5} circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; {6} as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless."

Saul was one of the most religious men in Israel. He was a Pharisee. He believed in a holy and righteous God -- a God so holy that He would never lower himself to become a man as these “Jesus people” were claiming. Saul’s beliefs drove him to try to eradicate this little sect of believers called “The Way”, and to stop their gospel from spreading. He oversaw them being beaten up, imprisoned, and even killed. When Saul heard that some of them had fled to Damascus, he put a team of thugs together and headed that way. What Saul didn’t know was that he was about to get a wakeup call. In his zeal for God, he had actually become an enemy of God. That can happen to us too. We can become so zealous for our particular brand of faith that we discount, criticize, and fight against others who don’t do things like us. Be careful, or like Saul, you can end up fighting against God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Obedience and the Miraculous

April 12

(Acts 8:39-40 NIV) “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. {40} Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.”

(Jeremiah 32:18-20 NIV) “You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers' sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, {19} great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve. {20} You performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, both in Israel and among all mankind, and have gained the renown that is still yours.”

Obedience is a portal for miracles from God. Philip was obedient and went to a desert road, and the Ethiopian was miraculously converted. Philip was then miraculously transported to another place where he continued his obedient service to God. It’s cyclical -- obedience promotes the miraculous, and the miraculous promotes obedience. The one converted was a miracle promoted by obedience. The Ethiopian had traveled a great distance to worship God and was miraculously saved. Don’t forget who he was. He was the Secretary of the Treasury for Ethiopia -- a man of prominence. He probably took news of this miracle back to his queen and his nation. Very likely, God used him to spread the gospel throughout Ethiopia. God wants to use believers in the same way today. When we walk in obedience, God can work miracles in us, around us, and through us. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Seeker is Saved

April 11

(Acts 8:32-38 NIV) ““The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. {33} In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." {34} The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" {35} Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. {36} As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" {37} “If you believe with all your heart, you may”. The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”. {38} And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.””

(Romans 10:8-15 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." {12} For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, {13} for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." {14} How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? {15} And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!””

As the Ethiopian rode in his chariot, he was reading from the prophet Isaiah, but didn’t fully understand it. He asked Philip to explain it, and Philip began with the verses in question and shared the gospel with the Ethiopian. The Ethiopian believed and was baptized, and entered the ranks of those whose names are written in the Book of Life. But it all started with the Scriptures. Christians, we should know how to lead people to Jesus using the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit will put the hunger in their heart, but we should have the knowledge to help them across the line. Philip had obviously studied the Scriptures -- we should too. We have no excuse for not doing so. We have at our fingertips what some have been willing to die for: the Bible. Read it, study it, and use it -- not to condemn people, but to lead seekers to salvation through a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Getting Close Enough to Listen

April 10

(Acts 8:29-30 NIV) “The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." {30} Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet.”

(John 15:13 NIV) “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

(Proverbs 18:24 NIV) “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

God wanted the Ethiopian to hear about Jesus, so he told Philip to stay near the man’s chariot. Philip had to get close enough to listen. When he got close, he heard the Ethiopian reading about Jesus from the book of Isaiah. He also heard the questions of the Ethiopian’s heart. Philip now had a bridge to share Christ with the man. That could not have happened if Philip hadn’t gotten close enough to listen. We have to get close enough to people to listen to them. Too many Christians today are busy answering questions that no one is asking. We spend more time lecturing than listening. We stand at a safe distance and spout directions, when what people need is someone who will draw near to them and listen to their heart. If we’re going to be effective at introducing others to the best thing that ever happened in our lives, we will have to get close enough to listen. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Lost Believers

April 9

(Acts 8:27-28 NIV) “…he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, {28} and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.”

(Acts 8:30-31 NIV) ““Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. {31} "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?””

(Acts 8:34 NIV) ““The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?””

(James 2:19 NIV) “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.”

God sent Philip to an Ethiopian who worshipped the God of the Jews, but who hadn’t met the King of the Jews. He believed in God, but didn’t know Christ. He was a “lost believer”. Otherwise, God would not have sent Philip. Believing in God does not save people -- only faith in Christ can save people. People can worship God, but not know Jesus. This means that your neighbor, who is surrounded by churches, could be just as lost as that remote tribe in Brazil. It doesn’t matter how religious people are -- what matters is if they know Jesus. A lost person is a lost person whether they live in the 10-40 window, or in the house across the street. It doesn’t matter if we believe in the God of Moses or worship cows, until we meet Jesus we are all destined for the same godless eternity. That’s why God placed Philip on that road to Gaza, and that’s why God has you where you are. Share Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Obedience to the Spirit

April 8

(Acts 8:26-30 NIV) ““Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." {27} So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, {28} and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. {29} The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." {30} Then Philip ran up to the chariot…””

(2 Corinthians 9:13 NIV) “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”

(2 John 1:6 NIV) “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”

It pays to be obedient to the Spirit of God. Philip was committed to undying obedience, and so when the call came for Philip to go south to a desert road, he went. He didn’t know where he would end up, he just went. He didn’t know everything that might lie ahead, but he went anyway. That’s obedience. And when the call got more specific, (stay near that chariot), that’s what Philip did. The angel told Philip to go up to a stranger and stay close. He obeyed, and it changed someone’s eternity. We should do the same. Listen for God -- and when God speaks, there’s only one correct answer: “Yes”. We don’t give our children medals for obeying us just 60% of the time! With God, “selective obedience” is an oxymoron. The Lord can do amazing things through us when we obey. Our work can last for eternity when we listen and obey. Souls are at stake. Be obedient to the Spirit. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Right Before God

April 7

(Acts 8:21-24 NIV) ““Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! {21} You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. {22} Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. {23} For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." {24} Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.””

(Luke 16:13-15 NIV) ““No servant 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." {14} The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. {15} He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.””

Simon the sorcerer had believed and had been baptized, but his heart was not right before God. He had impure motives as he tried to buy the gift of God. He wanted God’s power so that he could be popular and wealthy. Glorifying the Lord had not crossed his mind. Peter chastised Simon, warning him that such disrespect could end in his death. Peter looked into Simon’s heart and saw a man who was still captive to his sin, and full of bitterness. This goes to show that we can believe, but still be really messed up in our thinking about God. We can believe, but still have wicked thoughts. We can believe, but still be bitter. We can believe, but still be captive to sin, and ill prepared for ministry. We are saved to bring glory to God. Is that your life’s purpose? The self-centered, self-serving disciple is no disciple at all. Beware of Money’s power, and work at keeping your heart right before God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day