Aaron Hufty – Page 34 – The Everyday Prayer

More than a Warm-UP

Re:Verse reading–Luke 3:1-20 (day two)

John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. vs. 16

Most of us have been to concerts that feature a group that plays prior to the main act. This opener or warm-up group is typically a young, relatively unknown, band that is trying to establish a following. Generally they will tour with an established artist in the genre they are trying to build a following with.

John was so much more than an opening act for Jesus. His message was new and ancient. His was a lone voice crying to the world about the coming promise. Unlike a band trying to be the next great thing, John was getting the world ready for the Messiah. His best efforts would never accomplish what Jesus would, and he was desperate to prepare people to meet this savior.

It is not likely that we will be called in to the wilderness to eat locusts, but we do have the commission to tell others about Jesus. Let’s do it with abandon, just like John.

Listen and Question

Re:Verse reading–Luke 2:39-52 (day two)

Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. vs. 46

What later would become the hallmark of Jesus’ teaching is clearly evident in this twelve year old boy. Listening and asking questions. How often would the 30 year old version of Jesus confound the disciples, the pharisees, or crowds with questions: Who do you say I am? How many fish are there? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? Jesus would always direct the thinking of others with questions. These questions reveal not only whether you have the knowledge, but also what your heart truly values. Perhaps we can listen and ask more questions when speaking with others. What do you think?

Glory and Peace

Re:Verse reading–Luke 2:1-20 (day two)

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” vs. 13-14

Do you seek peace? Is it justice and truth that you are after in your life? Notice the order in which the angels offer a solution: Give God glory, then receive his peace. Not exactly how we normally would think this would or should come about. Our nature would say…let me achieve peace, and then I will glorify God. This is one of the things that angels were telling us that night. Look up, it’s not about you. It is only ever, and always about Jesus. Do you want peace? Try letting go of what is keeping your head down, look up and praise his name.

By the way these verses serve as the central theme to our Christmas at First presentation this year. Please make plans to join us Saturday and Sunday at 6PM. Invite your neighbors, friends, and family. Let’s glorify God together.

Something New

Re:Verse reading–Luke 1:1-38 (day two) It seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. vs. 3-4

Aren’t you grateful for these four men who captured the life of Jesus in narrative form? Four different perspectives; some first hand accounts, some gathered through the testimony of others, and yet all in agreement about the person of Jesus. It was clear to Luke from the beginning that this account was to instruct, affirm, and clarify all that was being said about Jesus. Little did he know, perhaps, that this primer would serve as a key component in the gospel texts.

One of my favorite things about a book is reading it again. I always find something new. Sometimes I didn’t have enough life experience to really appreciate what the author was saying, and when I encounter it again I see with new eyes. Let’s read this story again and see how the Lord through Luke can tell us something new.

Then again, some will

Re:Verse reading–Acts 23:11; 25:12; 28:16-31 (day two)

Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. 28:24

Here is Paul, arguably the greatest evangelist of the early church, and there were some who just wouldn’t buy what he was selling. If ever there were a thoroughly converted man convinced of his duty to spread the gospel, it was Paul. And yet some didn’t believe. Do you think it frustrated him? Do you think it altered his approach or his message? Probably not. Paul understood his role. He knew that there would be those who would reject this truth, but his part was to spread the Word without apology. Why do we lack that kind of conviction? Why are we so easily swayed from our task when things don’t go as we plan. Is our call from God? Do you know your assignment? Get to it. Finish the race. Keep true to the message. Some will not believe, but then again, some will.

Innocent

Re:Verse reading–Acts 20:17-38 (day two) Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. vs. 26-27

When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” Matthew 27:24

Similar words – much different motivation. Pilate didn’t want the blame, Paul carried a burden for humanity. Whenever we are motivated to act, what spurs us on? Do we act based on fear of the world or fear of the Lord? How often have you felt the urging of the Holy Spirit to speak only to quench prompting because of your own fear? We don’t want to get in to an argument. We aren’t sure how they will respond. We aren’t the most qualified to have these kinds of discussions.

Paul was fearless. He felt that nothing else mattered. He was never hostile, but he was not bullied either. He had a purpose to tell all he could about Jesus. Is our purpose any different? Have the rules changed at all? Are we innocent?

Object Lesson

Re:Verse reading–Acts 17:10-12, 16-34 (day two)

For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar…vs. 23a

Why do we love children’s sermons so much? It’s true that we often get as much out of those few moments as the kids, and sometimes more. In that brief time our pastors often find an object that the kids can connect with. A picture, a toy, a book, etc. These “objects” become the focus of a larger lesson. Its a pretty effective teaching model. Begin at a place where both teacher and student can relate, and then expand on their understanding of a broader topic.

Paul did just that. These Athenians were accustomed to discourse and welcomed a new way of thinking. Paul simply met them where they were. He didn’t have to manufacture his witness. He was aware of his audience and their understanding of the world. One of our core commitments at FBCSA is to seek out meaningful opportunities to witness. Start where they are, and let your knowledge of Jesus fill in the rest.

Let’s Sing

Re:Verse reading–Acts 16:11-34 (day two)

And suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. vs. 26

It’s hard to imagine, but prayer and praise can break bonds that hold you captive. We don’t know what sort of mental state Paul and Silas were in after being arrested. Worried, angry, sad? Perhaps all or none, but scripture is silent in regards to that. What we do read is their response to setbacks and adversity. When they were ostensibly at their lowest we read that they chose to sing. With all the scriptures that call us to worship God, and all the Psalms that are devoted to just that is it any wonder when the Lord literally breaks the chains that bind Paul and Silas when they turn their praise to God through adversity?

You may not be locked in the inner cell of a prison, but your heart may be. You may not feel like singing, but that is just the time to start. Sing through the frustration, the pain, the rejection, and turn your heart to praise. There cannot be room for both. God will break your chains. Let’s sing.

Let It Go

Re:Verse reading–Acts 15:1-29 (day two)

But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.” vs. 5

Every morning when I get Jessica in the car she begins to ask Elsa? Elsa? Which translated means: “Daddy, I would be most grateful if you would please play the soundtrack to the animated movie Frozen.” The hit song from that movie, is titled “Let it Go.” If you have walked by anyone under 25 in the past 4 years, you know this. As I read this verse this morning that title kept running through my head.

These new believers had a lot of religious baggage that they brought with them. They were well-educated, and knew the customs of the people. Peter had already had to deal with this for himself, but it would be the theme in the early years of the church. We cannot expect to have a conversion experience and bring every thought, action, and custom from our old lives. It just won’t work. What are those things you are still holding on to? Let it go.

Think Again

Re:Verse reading–Acts 11:1-26 (day two)

But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’ vs. 9

All Christians have come to accept that part of our walk is the need to repent. To confess those things that hinder us from a fully surrendered life in Christ. As Pastor Don has told us, the Greek word that we use for repentance means to “think again.” When we think again about our actions or our attitudes we look with Jesus’ eyes upon those choices.

Peter was asked to “think again” with regards to what he could eat and with whom he could associate. His previous actions were not sinful, actually quite the contrary, he would refrain from eating or associating based on the Jewish custom and law. Jesus now wanted to show Peter a better way. Those customs played an important role in Jewish history and culture, but now Jesus wanted to show that his love was for all.

Is there some habit or attitude that you have that could use a spiritual reboot? Are there things that you could stand to think again about? Is every attitude and action of your life focused on Jesus’ Kingdom plan for your life? Time to think again?