Faith Walk

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Job 5-7 Acts 8:1-25

Drinking Poison

Job 5-7, Acts 8:1-25
Key Verses: Acts 8:21-23

Stephen Harnock once observed, "Bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die." It would be comical if it were not so tragically true.

Simon the Sorcerer wanted to do what the apostles were doing, so he offered to buy the giftedness they had from the Holy Spirit. Peter was quick to answer, discounting completely the idea that anyone can buy the gift of God with money.

But Peter saw deeper. He saw that Simon's heart was not right before God. In it was bitterness and captivity to sin.

Why bitterness? Bitterness begins with dislike, and Simon disliked the apostles because they could do what he could not. He disliked them even more when they refused his offer. His bitterness intensified when his way was rejected totally and completely by Peter. This brings us to the core of bitterness--wanting for self what others have and resenting them for having it.

Bitterness is like an unpleasant taste in the mouth, but it is so much deeper than a taste. It comes from within, from the heart. The Bible warns us against allowing bitterness to develop. We can prevent it from taking root when we effectively deal with our pride and covetousness. But as long as we seek to serve self, we provide the seed bed for bitterness to grow.

Ask God to help you determine if there is anyone toward whom you are bitter. If there is, ask for His forgiveness, and make right your relationship with that person.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 8:26-40 Job 8-10

I Object!

Job 8-10, Acts 8:26-40
Key Verses: Acts 8:32-33

My family and I walked through the areas at the state fair where young people had brought their livestock for competition. Many of the sheep we saw were not the picturesque ones, round with fluffy white wool, but sheared completely. We watched as some sheep went through the shearing process. They were brought in, sheared and sent out. No word of protest was offered.

Isaiah the prophet described Jesus in that way. Christ stood before His accusers and did not speak a word of defense. 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'" (8:32).

We would protest if accused falsely, like Jesus was. That is what confused the Ethiopian eunuch. He read these verses from Isaiah and did not understand about whom the prophet was talking. God brought Philip to the eunuch. He began with that passage and told him "the good news about Jesus" (v. 35).

It is good news, the best of news, that Jesus would die without objection. He committed no sin nor owed no debt, yet like a sheep to the slaughter, a lamb before the shearer, He stood silently.

The eunuch's response was to accept Christ and identify with Jesus in baptism. He heard and accepted the good news that Jesus so willingly died that we might live.

We also can live if we accept Christ. It is good that you are reading the Bible, but know that salvation is not received through good works but by faith in Jesus.

Have you accepted the Lamb of God as your Savior? He alone can take away the penalty of your sin because He died in your place. If you have not done so, today ask Him to forgive your sins and save you.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 9:1-21 Job 11-13

Why?

Job 11-13, Acts 9:1-21
Key Verses: Job 13:20-22

I've often heard people ask, "Is it all right to ask God 'why'?" People ask that question because they want to do just that, to ask God "why?"

What is the answer? Well, we know that Job did. Not just in this passage but in others he raised the subject. He said, "'He is not a man like me that I might answer him, that we might confront each other in court. If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both . . . . Then I would speak up without fear of him" (9:32-33, 35). And most of chapter 3 records Job asking why.

To ask is one thing; to accuse is another. Sometimes the why question is more an accusation than an inquiry. Without a doubt, we are not to be people who accuse God. If our asking is a way of calling God to give an accounting for what He has done, then that is wrong. God does not have to give an answer to us.

So consider why you want to ask God the why question. If it is to get Him to give you a satisfactory answer, then the answer is no, it is not right to ask why. If, on the other hand, you are trying to understand what God is doing so you can learn what He is teaching and accomplish what He wishes, then it is permissible. We may pray, "God help me to understand," but remember that you are not in a position to demand an answer.

Examine your heart before you ask why. Remember, He is God and you're not. And whether you ask or not, remember to trust Him and obey.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 9:22-43 Job 14-16

Willing to Take a Risk

Job 14-16, Acts 9:22-43
Key Verses: Acts 9:26-27

Friendship is a wonderful gift that we can give to one another, a gift that can build up if given but destroy if withheld. One can only wonder how many people have been lost to the cause of Christ because others withheld the encouragement that comes with friendship.

Saul was a scary figure in the midst of the congregation in Damascus. For one, there was his past reputation, a persecutor of believers. For another, there was his powerful intellect, baffling the Jews by proving that Jesus is the Christ. Even while suspicion ran high, Saul grew more and more powerful.

Then he had to escape those who plotted to kill him. He traveled to Jerusalem and "tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple" (v. 26). They all stayed away from him, except Barnabas. He came alongside Saul, listened to his story and defended him before the apostles. After that Saul was able to stay with the disciples and move about freely, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. The brothers who feared Saul became his protectors when the Jews tried to kill him.

What brought about the change? The friendship of one man, Barnabas. He was willing to take the risk, to get to know Saul and speak to his defense. Later, Barnabas and Saul were sent by the church at Antioch to be the first missionaries. How different the story of the early church might have been if not for Barnabas!

Look around you at church. Do you see anyone new who needs a friend? Perhaps your greeting and help can make the difference between that person feeling welcomed or not. God only knows the difference you can make if you, like Barnabas, would take a risk.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Job 17-19 Acts 10:1-23

Right or Wrong?

Job 17-19, Acts 10:1-23
Key Verse: Acts 10:15

Opinions vary as to what is right and what is wrong. We all have our ideas on the subject. The only problem is what we say is right may be wrong, and our wrongs may be right. That's not too reassuring, is it?

Peter definitely had an idea of right and wrong--and was wrong about it. God was preparing him to go to the home of a Gentile named Cornelius, something Peter would consider wrong. God had to convince Peter otherwise and did it with a vision involving what food was acceptable to a man like Peter.

God gave Peter a vision of various animals and instructed him to "kill and eat" (v. 13). He refused. The voice then said to him, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (v. 15). Three times this happened, leaving Peter wondering what was going on. Then there was the knock at the door, men looking for him to take him to Cornelius. Before the vision, Peter would have refused. Now he knew his specific instruction was to go with the men.

What made the difference in Peter's thinking? Knowing God's Word on the matter.

The same thing will make the difference in our thinking. We are not to decide right and wrong on the basis of what we think but on what the Bible teaches.

Learn what the Bible teaches with a submissive heart, surrendering your opinions to be corrected by the Word. Ask God to help you see things as He sees them, understanding what truly is right and wrong according to Him.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 10:24-48 Job 20-21

Barriers Removed

Job 20–21, Acts 10:24–48
Key Verse: Acts 10:28

Often people are divided. At sporting events, fans root for opposing teams. When there is an election, voters choose candidates from opposing political parties. Even at the airport, travelers approaching the ticket counter find a line for first-class passengers and a much longer line for everyone else.

These divisions are acceptable in their own way, but other divisions are not. People are divided by prejudices that may be racial, sexual, cultural or even geographical. One of the sharpest of those in biblical times was the division between Jews and Gentiles.

God addressed this division very directly in a vision for Peter. When Peter was asked to go to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile, God knew he would not go. God had to break down Peter’s prejudice. And he got the message—“God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean” (v. 28).

Later Paul would write that Jesus “has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph. 2:14) and that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

Think again about the Samaritan woman. When Jesus spoke to her, He ignored religious, racial and sexual prejudices along with the disdain others showed her because of her immorality. He ignored these to give her the message of salvation.

We, too, must remove the barriers that keep us from reaching others and fellowshipping with those who are part of the Body of Christ.

Prejudice is a sin that can get deeply ingrained. Sometimes we do not notice that the words or phrases we use, even the jokes we tell, can indicate its presence. Examine your heart and ask God to help you remove all barriers between yourself and others in Christ.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 11 Job 22-24

Called on the Carpet

Job 22–24, Acts 11
Key Verse: Acts 11:17

Reaching across the barriers of prejudice will probably be noticed—and questioned. Staying with the familiar is comfortable; changing is not. If the barriers are long-standing ones, then change is that much harder and that much more resisted.

Peter stepped across the line, in the minds of some, when he went into the home of a Gentile, Cornelius. “The circumcised believers criticized him” (v. 2), and Peter was called on the carpet to explain his actions.

He explained everything to them, vision and all, along with his own reluctance. Then he said, “The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them” (v. 12). He told his critics that the Holy Spirit came on those Gentiles just as He had come on them. Peter concluded by saying, “So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?” (v. 17).

That ended the discussion. Instead of continuing to criticize him, they praised God that even the Gentiles were being given repentance unto life. They realized that the Gospel is for all, not just some.

We need to remember that all people need Jesus, no matter what their race, social standing, morals or anything else. And Jesus can make us one.

“God, help me examine my heart and show me if there are any others toward whom I harbor wrong feelings. May I see all as needing Jesus and see all who know Jesus as my brothers and sisters in Christ.”

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 12 Job 25-27

Continued Faith

Job 25–27, Acts 12
Key Verses: Job 27:2–4

Three of the easiest words to utter are, “I give up.” Often they are said when expectations are not met; you expected something, didn’t get it, tried, but finally gave up. That happens with things like service at a restaurant, or information on a software problem, or with trying to get something repaired. But it should never be said in regard to God.

If ever someone had reason to say regarding God, “I give up,” it would have been Job. But he did not. Instead he said, “As surely as God lives . . .” (27:2). Though difficult to utter, those words are among the most important ones a person can ever say. They comprise the most solemn oath a person can make, and in Job’s case demonstrated his continued faith despite his circumstances.

Job could have given up. He even mentioned the bitterness that he had tasted, the justice he had been denied—both from God. Still, though, he began his statements with an oath that called upon God. Even in the hardest of circumstances, Job’s faith in God continued.

Faith is easier when things are going well. We more readily acknowledge God in our words when we can see His blessing on us. But faith is not for just the good times; it’s for all times.

Is your faith staying strong all the time, or does it ebb and flow like the tide, depending on how good things seem to be going? God is good, all the time. And our faith in Him is to be strong, all the time.

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[Len]

Excellent! But I like Romans 8 even better. Check out this:

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.


Man, I'll tell ya. Every time the devil wants to poke his nose around me, I just tell he better get or I'll read the 8th chapter of Romans to him. I mean, this chapter has GOT to cause him some serious pain. Good! Then I'll read it to him often!!!!!

Glory be to God!

Ah, yes! Romans 8. My favorite chapter in Scripture. It is loaded and overflowing with hope, promise, relief, light, assurance, help, and a dozen or more other things that reveal God's immeasurable love for His children in Christ.

To Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise!

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 13:1-25 Job 28-29

Wisdom’s Beginning

Job 28–29, Acts 13:1–25
Key Verse: Job 29:28

I heard about a road in Africa that had a very difficult curve in it. What made the curve so challenging was the fact that you really didn’t see how hard it was until you were right on it. A series of warning signs were posted but ignored. It just didn’t look like that big of a deal until it was too late. Even the last of the warning signs did not slow some drivers, even though it said, “You’ve been warned!”

A similar statement is found several times in the Bible that links the “fear of the Lord” with wisdom. In essence it says, “You’ve been told!”

The wisdom the Bible talks about is not the same as a high SAT score or straight “A’s” in school. It is skill in living. The person who can take the instruction found in God’s Word and apply it to his life is a wise person.

Wisdom is then linked with fear of the Lord. This kind of fear does not result in living in terror of God but having a reverence for Him. When we truly revere Him we submit to Him and obey His commands. We should fear being irreverent or disobedient, but not in a way that sends us cowering in the corners, hiding from God. Biblical fear is responding obediently to God, choosing to do what He wants.

“God, help me to recognize my need to properly fear You. May I then see that my life, when it is one of obedience, is one of wisdom.”

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 13:26-52 Job 30-31

The Eye Covenant

Job 30–31, Acts 13:26–52
Key Verse: Job 31:1

You have heard the old saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Perhaps an appropriate updated version would be, “Beauty is too often in the eye of the beholder.” We live in a visually stimulating age. Gone the way of dinosaurs are black-and-white photographs. Today, graphics and photos are full color, eye-catching and often sexy.

Mankind has always struggled with lust, especially lust of the eyes. A beautiful woman named Bathsheba caught David’s eye and that first glance became a lustful gaze. Immorality was the result. Jesus condemned lust in the Sermon on the Mount, saying the person who lusts is committing adultery in his heart (Matt. 5:28).

As Job wrote in his own defense, listing sins he knew he didn’t commit, he began by mentioning what he had done to avoid lustful looking. He made a covenant with his eyes “not to look lustfully at a girl.” While some say, “What’s the harm in looking?” Job knew that it was wrong. The look can set the hook, and it’s downhill from there.

Sex sells, so ads are full of sensual images. Television programs and movies are full of sexual themes. Clothes are made to be enticing.

We cannot escape seductive images, but we can covenant not to look at them.

Are you careful about what you view? Job’s words are forceful for men especially. When your eye strays for a second look, remember what Job said. And determine right now to enter into the same covenant.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 14 Job 32-33

The Model Mission Statement

Job 32–33, Acts 14
Key Verses: Acts 14:21–23

A recent business trend has been that of writing a mission statement—a concise paragraph stating in a memorable way the purpose of a business or organization. Added to it might be some objectives and an explanation of how those objectives will be accomplished. Churches also use written mission statements as a way of focusing their efforts. The difference is that a church should draw all these things from the Bible.

Acts 14:21–23 could provide the framework for a church’s mission statement. Luke’s report on the ministry of Paul and Barnabas highlights three crucial aspects of their work. They were:

1. Evangelizing. “They . . . won a large number of disciples” (v. 21).
2. Edifying. “. . . strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith” (v. 22).
3. Establishing. “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord” (v. 23).

What they did then, we must do now. These three objectives must be central to every church’s mission. We need to be reaching people for Jesus, discipling them and helping the local church develop. There are other things to consider, but without a doubt these are core commitments for the church.

If your church is writing a mission statement, or already has one, are these three items incorporated in it? And are you involved in seeing these objectives accomplished?

Evaluate what you are doing. If you and your church are not seeking to accomplish these objectives, commit today to making the changes needed so that you are on God’s mission.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 15:1-21 Job 34-35

Old Habits Die Hard

Job 34–35, Acts 15:1–21
Key Verse: Acts 15:9

Old habits die hard, but it seems at times as if old habits hardly die. Habits are called such for good reason—they are so ingrained that we do them without thinking. Sometimes a habit is not a matter of what we do but what we think.

God showed Peter that he was to go to the house of Cornelius, even though it meant going into the home of a Gentile. Avoiding contact with Gentiles was one of those habits that would die hard, or hardly die, so Peter had to explain his actions (Acts 11:1–18).

Even after acknowledging that it was of God that Gentiles were granted repentance unto life (11:18), the church struggled with accepting Gentiles into their midst. At the meeting in Jerusalem held to discuss the situation, Peter said that God “made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith” (15:9). He also pointed out that their attempts to put “a yoke” on the necks of the Gentiles was actually a way of putting God to the test. Still, it remained a problem, one Paul later would address as he wrote of the oneness we have in Christ (see Eph. 2:14).

Of all people, we in the Body of Christ should accept all others, regardless of race, social standing, nationality or finances. As the saying goes, the ground at the foot of Christ’s cross is level, so no one is above anyone else.

In your heart do you accept all others who know Christ as your brother or sister? If you struggle with prejudice, ask Jesus to help you see people as He sees them. He does not classify us by color.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 15:22-41 Job 36-37

Where Seldom Is Heard . . .

Job 36–37, Acts 15:22–41
Key Verse: Acts 15:32

Can you finish this line from an old song? “Where seldom is heard . . .”

The answer is “a discouraging word.” The song, “Home on the Range,” paints a picture of an idyllic place where even the words said are seldom discouraging. If only song lyrics and reality matched! Far too often home, work, school and even church are places where seldom is heard an encouraging word. We know how much we appreciate encouraging words; the question to consider is if our own words are encouraging.

The early church had a problem. They met, discussed it and handed down a decision that was then communicated to the churches by a hand-carried letter. It was sent with Paul and Barnabas, who were accompanied by Judas and Silas. Sometimes problems in a church are due to decisions—who makes them, how they are made or what they are. This one had the potential of stirring the issue rather than settling it. What tipped the scales toward settling was the encouraging words that were spoken.

Luke called it an “encouraging message” (v. 31). Also, Judas and Silas “said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers” (v. 32). The response of the church was to send off the brothers “with the blessing of peace” (v. 33).

Instead of merely dismissing the difficulty, church leaders resolved it, with encouraging words, and the church was strengthened and blessed. Now that’s an encouraging word!

Think about the words you say, especially when there is a disagreement. Next time, use encouraging words, ones that will build up, not tear down. Aim to not only settle the issue but to do so in a way that strengthens those involved.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Acts 16:1-21 Job 38-40

Sensitive?

Job 38–40, Acts 16:1–21
Key Verses: Acts 16:9–10

A sure way to end an argument is to say, “I believe it is God’s will.” Who can argue with that? Even Peter used it when he said in his defense, “Who was I to think that I could oppose God?” (Acts 11:17).

Sensitivity to the leading of God in our lives is important. Paul and those traveling with him demonstrated such in Acts 16:6–10. In those verses we find these phrases: “kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching,” “the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” and “concluding that God had called us.” Paul obviously was attuned spiritually to the unseen reality of God’s moving in his life. And he was obedient; he did what he believed God wanted him to do or not do.

The verses do not say he followed his feelings. One of the dangers of the spiritual life is confusing feelings with the leading of the Spirit. There is a huge difference—one is right, the other wrong. Discerning the difference should be a significant concern to us.

Feelings can often lead us to accomplish our will, while leading directs us to God’s will. Perhaps we best begin sorting feelings from leadings by honestly examining our motivation. Upon close review, it may become evident that what we are calling God’s will is actually our want. Yes, there can be times when what we want is God’s will as well. Yet this may be a significant test, helping us discern the difference between His will and our wants.

“God, help me not only to pray, ‘Not my will but thine,’ but also to know clearly the difference.

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