Commanded to Preach and Testify

May 21

(Acts 10:42-43 NIV) "He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. {43} All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.""

(2 Timothy 1:8-12 NIV) "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, {9} who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, {10} but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. {11} And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. {12} That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."

(2 Timothy 4:2-5 NIV) "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. {3} For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. {4} They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. {5} But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."

The reason Peter risked going to the house of Cornelius is that he had been commanded to preach and testify. He had been commanded to speak about the Lord Jesus. He was obedient to the command. The command has not changed. It is a command for all time, to all disciples. Just before Christ ascended, He commanded His disciples to preach and to testify. The command extends out in time to those who follow Him today. We are His disciples, and that makes us His witnesses and preachers. We have been commanded to testify to His grace and mercy. We have been commanded to preach the gospel of Christ’s love -- to speak of His death on the cross for our sin, and of His resurrection. It is a message of eternal hope with Jesus as Lord and Savior, but of eternal judgment without Him. The gospel is for everyone, and the command to preach and testify is for all disciples. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Chosen Witnesses

May 20

(Acts 10:36-41 NIV) “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. {37} You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached-- {38} how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. {39} "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, {40} but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. {41} He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.”

(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.”

(Acts 2:32 NIV) “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.”

Peter thought of himself as a chosen witness. He knew the truth about Jesus, and he was called to share it with others. We who believe today also have a witness, and we have the same calling as Peter to share it. You are a chosen witness. Is that how you see yourself? Part of our witness is the truth about Jesus. Every Christian should know the simple gospel and how to share it. It is unchanging and eternal, but is adaptable to any situation or culture. The other part of our witness is what we have seen, and what Jesus has done in our life. We all have a story of some kind. This part of our story grows and changes. It’s different this year than last year. There is someone who needs to hear your story and witness. As we said yesterday, the gospel is for everyone, and so is the story God has given you. You are His chosen witness! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

No Favorites

May 19

(Acts 10:33-35 NIV) “So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us." {34} Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism {35} but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.”

(Acts 10:44-48 NIV) “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. {45} The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. {46} For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, {47} "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." {48} So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days."

(James 2:1-10 NIV) ““My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. {2} Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. {3} If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” {4} have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? {5} Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? {6} But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? {7} Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? {8} If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. {9} But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. {10} For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.””

Peter received God’s message. God does not show favoritism. The gospel was not just for the Jew, nor was it just for the rich and significant people of the world. The gospel is for everyone. God accepts those who seek Him from every nation and from every walk of life. If Christ does not show favoritism, the Church, the Bride of Christ, should not be found showing favoritism. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. When God looks at people, He sees the soul. He does not see skin color, national origin, or income level. He doesn’t see suits and ties, or sandals and t-shirts. We should not be found doing so in our churches. It should not surprise us when the Spirit and blessing of God falls upon those who don’t look like they belong. The gospel is for everyone. Even you! Jesus died for the sins of the world. Even yours! The gospel is for all who will receive it. God does not show favoritism. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Star Gazing

May 18

(Acts 10:25-26 NIV)  "As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. {26} But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."

(Acts 14:8-18 NIV) ““In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. {9} He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed {10} and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. {11} When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” {12} Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. {13} The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. {14} But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: {15} “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. {16} In the past, he let all nations go their own way. {17} Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” {18} Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.””

(Romans 12:2-3 NIV) “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. {3} For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” 

Cornelius wanted to treat Peter like a celebrity. Peter would have none of it. It would have been easy for him to exploit having walked with Jesus. He had been given power to heal the sick and raise the dead. That can certainly be heady stuff. Instead Peter saw himself as just another one of God’s many servants. He was a model of godly humility. Some Christian leaders today have forgotten this apostolic lesson. They spend more time basking in the spotlight, than walking in God’s light. They are encouraged by the fawning celebrity worship of groupie Christians. We flock to where the biggest crowds are. We covet the fame, hoping that some of it will rub off on us if we can just get near enough. We need to get back to humility again. There is only one Messiah, and we all serve under Him. Let’s be done with the hero worship. Let’s stoop to wash feet, more than we seek to gaze at stars. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Relatives and Friends

May 17

(Acts 10:24 NIV) “The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.”

(Mark 5:18-20 NIV) ““As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. {19} Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”  {20} So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.””

(John 1:40-42 NIV) ““Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. {41} The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). {42} And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).””

When Cornelius found out that Peter was coming to his house, he didn’t try to keep it from his friends and neighbors. He put out a press release, put up posters, and phoned everyone he knew. Well, not really, but he did call together his close friends and relatives. Today we have believers who barely mention their church in conversation with friends and relatives. They don’t want to offend anyone. They act as though they were ashamed of Jesus and the church. They keep their faith and the good news to themselves. Not Cornelius! He put the word out. If there had been radio in his day, there would probably have been a commercial with “BE THERE!” at the end. We laugh, but if the gospel really is for everyone, why don’t we act like it? If the message of Jesus really is life changing stuff, why wouldn’t we want to expose our friends and neighbors to it in any way we can? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Taking Risks for the Gospel

May 16

(Acts 10:23 NIV) "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.”

(Acts 10:28 NIV) ““He (Peter) said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection.””

(2 Corinthians 11:24-28 NIV) "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. {25} Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, {26} I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. {27} I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. {28} Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches."

Peter took a great risk by letting Gentiles stay in his home. He took another great risk by going to Cornelius’s house to visit him. It was against Jewish law. Jews were not to enter the houses of Gentiles, let alone stay the night. Christians violating Jewish law were already being killed. Peter could have easily been next. Spiritually and politically, the Romans were despised and hated in Israel. They were usually polytheistic and were considered unclean. Peter was contaminating and condemning himself by going there, but he took the risk. If we are going to be obedient to our calling, and take the gospel with us wherever we go, we are going to have to take some risks. To save lives, we must often risk our own. If we refuse to take risks for the gospel, we are doomed to be sterile believers. We cannot fulfill the commission Christ gave us unless we are willing to take some risks. Will you do that? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

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