Scripture reading for today: Acts 3 - 4; Psalm 107 Yesterday we had an opportunity to begin reading the book of Acts. Many theologians believe that Luke wrote both the gospel of Luke and Acts as one body of work. Looking back at yesterday's example, what we're going to be reading about today is "transfer." Acts shows us the "transfer" that took place in the relationship Jesus had with his … [Read more...] about February 11
February 12
Scripture reading for today: Acts 5 - 6; Psalm 108 Speaking of "transfer" (see the previous two days' devotional to understand this phrase), check out Peter in chapter 3 of Acts. Remember that when last we left Peter, he was being a big goof. Although promising Jesus (and sincerely meaning it) that he would never leave him nor forsake him, Peter denies that he knows Jesus--not once, not twice, … [Read more...] about February 12
February 13
Scripture reading for today: Acts 7; Joel 1-3 Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. Acts 6:8 NLT Today we find Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit and exhibiting God's power and love (awesome "transfer" - see the previous few days' devotions to get this), ultimately is run out of town and stoned (no, not what you're thinking--he … [Read more...] about February 13
February 14
Scripture reading for today: Acts 8 - 9; Psalm 109 This morning I'm reading the paper, and there's an article in The Richmond Times-Dispatch on snowflakes. One thought comes to my mind: this is a God thing. So let me tell you what I learned about snowflakes. Everyone knows that each snowflake is different. But did you know that all snowflakes (snow crystals in the form of plates, stars, … [Read more...] about February 14
February 15
Scripture reading for today: Acts 10 - 11; Psalm 110 I had a friend in treatment who was very insulted when her treatment team dared suggest that she was insane. Today is a good day to get that truth out on the table. Anytime we are not living within the confines of our God-created identity, we are crazy! Is this an extreme perspective that needs to be toned down? NO! Stop and think. God made … [Read more...] about February 15
February 16
Scripture reading for today: Acts 12; Psalm 111-112 Many miraculous experiences happened in the early church AND the early Christians faced all sorts of trials and tribulations. Does that remind anyone else of the process of recovery? Recovery is messy - some days are good, others are yucky. We're not alone in this process - check out the book of Acts. The early believers were doing a lot of … [Read more...] about February 16
February 17
Scripture reading for today: Acts 13 - 15 Scott Peck says, "Mental health requires the willingness and the capacity to suffer self-examination." I'm thrilled to know that a piece of "coming to believe" means accepting truths like, "For God is working in you, giving you the desire (willing) and the power (able) to do what pleases him." (Philippians 2:13 NLT) I'm disturbed by Peck's use of the … [Read more...] about February 17
February 18
Scripture reading for today: Acts 16 - 17; Psalm 113 Our need for restoration is profound. All sorts of life events can lead us to conclude that maybe we're losing our minds. Have you ever waited up for a child who is out long past curfew? How does it feel to discover that someone you love has betrayed you? When life is moving along at a nice clip and your yearly physical reveals a … [Read more...] about February 18
February 19
Scripture reading for today: Acts 18 - 19; Psalm 114 "I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened." (Mark Twain) Anxiety disorders afflict about 19 million Americans and that number is climbing. Anxiety is a prevailing emotion--unlike fear, which is a spurt of emotion that disappears as soon as the threat is neutralized. Anxiety is a feeling that … [Read more...] about February 19
February 20
Scripture reading for today: Acts 20 - 21; Psalm 114 "As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. "Don't worry," he said, "he's alive!" Then they all went back upstairs, shared in the Lord's supper, and ate … [Read more...] about February 20