John 6:44-45

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.”

This is truly Good News! Jesus promises to raise anyone who comes to him…and the Father is drawing everyone to Him…because that’s what perfect Love does! God…is Love…and God is infinitely in love with you! So…let us allow God to draw each of us…and the only way to do that…is by listening for His still voice…that whisper in our heart…that internal nudge…to take action in this world. Let us take quiet time to turn off the noise of the world…so we can truly hear God speak!

Acts 7:59–8:1

As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep. Now Saul was consenting to his execution.

Stephen, known as the first Christian martyr, would appear to be a “loser” in the world’s eyes. But when we respond to hate with love…just like Jesus did…resurrection awaits! We believe Stephen entered new life…and just as the way Jesus lived, died and rose brought transformation to his followers…the stoning of Stephen brought transformation as well. His stoning is recorded in the bible…and the experience likely began a transformation in a man named Saul. Saul who persecuted Christians and was at least complicit in the killing of Christians…would later become Paul…the greatest evangelist in history. Lord…give us the heart and willingness to respond in love…to our persecutors!

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear?

One of the most quoted phrases of Jesus was to not be afraid. When we follow Jesus…His example of living…and allow His words to sink in to our hearts…we are truly free, fulfilled and alive. In that moment…what is there to fear?

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Imagine such Love that would compel God…to go to the extreme lengths of becoming human in order to show us the way to true life and fulfillment. Jesus said he is “the way, the truth and the life.” God did not send his Son to condemn us…despite our turning from God…but to save us…even though He knew we humans would kill Him. Let us take a few moments to contemplate such Love…and be thankful!

Acts 4:32

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.

If this sounds like a totally foreign idea…perhaps we should ponder it further. Whatever resources we have are truly from God…because without God we would not exist. If we truly lived as the community of believers did following the resurrection of Jesus…our community…and the world…would be a different place. It would be the Kingdom of God. This is exactly what Jesus was trying to tell us!

Acts 4:29-30

“And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth [your] hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Peter and the followers of Jesus were impassioned by the Holy Spirit to spread the words of Jesus and to allow His healing and love to be channeled through them…to those who were threatening them! Jesus said to build the kingdom here and now through love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. He also said to love our enemies. The only way this is possible is by God’s grace. As Jesus said in John 3:3, “no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” In other words…you must be willing to throw-out your old way of thinking…and allow Jesus to transform you…so you take on a whole new way of thinking.