An Acts-ive Faith (Part 11)

Acts 11 Even the gentiles are granted repentance!

Acts 11:18 When they heard this they became silent. Then they glorified God saying, “So God has granted repentance resulting in life even to the Gentiles!”

This is one of my favorite verses in Acts. I am a Gentile. God has granted repentance even to me!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to thank you for the gift of repentance. It was what allowed me to come in to your kingdom. As you show me things that you want to change in me, repentance helps me grow in your. Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of repentance — and when you correct me, help me to quickly hear and quickly obey. Amen.

This is also an eye-opening verse to me. it shows me the “Jewishness” of the church when it began. I knew that Jesus was Jewish, that the disciples were Jewish and that the first followers were Jewish. Yet, my early church life was made up of people like me: people of a gentile heritage. I did not meet my first Jewish believer until I was in my mid-20s.

The church is made up of both Jew and Gentile, the one new man. God always wanted it that way. Abraham’s seed was to be a blessing to the nations, and the nations were to bless Israel. A ‘mixed multitude’ walked out of Egypt with Moses, so at least some non-Jews were included. The lineage of Jesus includes Ruth, who lived in Moab, before she moved to Israel with Naomi.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving all people. Help me to be a blessing to those you would have me be a blessing to, both Jewish and gentile. Amen.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

An Acts-ive Faith (Part 10)

Acts 10: God Knows Where We Are

Acts 10: 3-6 About three in the afternoon he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him “Cornelius!” Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, “:What is it, lord?” the angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have came up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter.”

God knew where Cornelius was. He knew his lifestyle. God also knew where Peter was and knew his lifestyle.

God knows where we are physically, emotionally, spiritually and in every other way.

This thought can be challenging to me, especially on the days when I don’t feel I have done much for Him. Yet, during a recent not-so-great day it brought comfort, as God knew what was happening in my life. God was able to show me how often I get upset about things that do not matter in the long run. I was able to hear his voice, able to repent of my attitude that needed repenting of.

Question for myself: Since God knows where I am, how am I to live my life, today?

Another thought

Peter had served God all his life as a Jewish man, and God knew that. He knew had had always followed the Jewish laws. Yet, God wanted to use Peter to expand the church, to allow the gentiles to become full members. Acts 10:9-16 tells the story of the vision. God told Peter to go with the men and to meet Cornelius.

God had to work in Peter’s life, so Peter would go to meet a gentile. God wanted to expand Peter’s vision of the work of God; He wanted to give Peter new ways to serve him.

Question for myself: I have been a Christian for years. Am I open to new things that God may be trying to show me? Am I open to new ways to serve him?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you know both where I am and where you want to take me in the future. Help me walk with you today, listening to your voice and obeying. Amen.

Photo credit of Simon the Tanner’s house in Joppa, Israel: K Carswell

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

“An Acts-ive Faith” (Part 9)

Acts 9: Do what you can

Acts 9:36, 37, 39 In Joppa there was a follower named Tabitha. Her Greek name was Dorcas, which means ‘deer.’ She was always doing works and acts of charity. In those days she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs. . . . . So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them.

Dorcas is never mentioned again in scripture after Acts 9:41. She is an example of someone who lived well, doing what she could.

There are many who are interested in living long and living well. Having interesting and challenging hobbies is sometimes listed as a way to improve life. However, sewing for others is not listed among the strategies for adding years to your life.

There are listings of spiritual gifts in scripture. Sewing is not mentioned. It is never recorded that Dorcas ever preached a sermon. She is not listed among the early leadership of the church.

However, Dorcas knew two things: how to sew and people who needed new outfits. She put the two together and began to sew. The people’s needs were met,

I grew up on a farm — home grown beef and chicken, fish in the dugout, food from the garden — and clothes that my mother sewed. I got many compliments on a red hot pants outfit that I wore in grade seven or eight. I loved my Barbie dolls and my Penny Brite doll a lot — and part of that was the homemade doll clothes that my mother made. (I’ve made doll clothes as an adult — those tiny seams can seem more challenging than the bigger ones for ordinary clothes!) I remember Grade 8 home economics and the day the girls in the class decided to show up in the dresses they had finished. I loved the blue dress I had made. I have the time to sew and have begun to sew again.

My challenge to myself: what do I have to give? How can I help others in practical ways? Dorcas probably never preached a sermon, but she gives us something to think about.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

An Acts-ive Faith (Part 8)

Acts 8:Assignments Fulfilled

Acts 8:4 So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the message of good news. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them.

Stephen had been stoned and Paul was actively persecuting the church. Yet, that did not stop the spread of the gospel – in fact the persecution scattered the believers throughout Judea and Samaria. Jesus had told the believers to make disciples of all nations, and the believers were starting to spread out.

Philip, who was appointed as one of the deacons in Acts 6:5, travelled to a city in Samaria. He proclaimed the Messiah and demonstrated the truth of the gospel by performing signs. The people believed Philip and were baptized. The apostles came from Jerusalem and prayed for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.

Then, Philip was given his next assignment. His job had been done in that city. he was sent to an Ethiopian eunuch, who needed someone to explain the gospel to him.

Philip had seen many healed and delivered. He had spoken to crowds. Yet, after the crowds, God sent him to one person, who needed to hear.

Let us let the Lord give us our assignments — and not worry about whether we are speaking to one person or a crowd.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

“An Acts-ive Faith” (Part 7)

Acts 7: History Matters

Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked people with uncircumsised hearts and ears! You are resisting the Holy Spirit; as your ancestors did, so do you.

Stephen had just been dragged and placed in front of the council. The high priest had asked him to defend himself against the lies that were said against him. He didn’t bother defending himself. He spoke of the history of the Jewish people, a history that the high priest, council members and men who were accusing him were well aware of. He was not interested in defending himself — he was defending the Christ.

The council members were unwilling to deal with their history.

National History

History is real and the past has a part in shaping us. We live in an age of ‘cancel culture’ and the tearing down of statues of historical figures. This may not be helpful — although putting the people and activities in context and repenting of of sins of the past is necessary. May the Lord help us to repent of past evil and not ignore it as the council did!

Personal History

There is good and bad in each country’s history and there is good and bad in each person’s family history. I am blessed to have an aunt who worked on the family history on my father’s side and a cousin who worked on my family’s history on my mother’s side. These inform part of who I am. I have a physical heritage like eye color, but I also have a social and religious heritage passed down from my forefathers. My paternal great grandfather was a Methodist preacher in the 1930s, and my maternal grandfather was a Presbyterian Sunday School teacher. My parents took their family to church each Sunday, so I had early chances to hear about the Lord and to serve Him. (My mother was Sunday school superintendent, so in Grade 7 and 8, I and another girl taught the four and five year old children. I remember one coming home slightly down, because one of my students had asked me if God was real or not. My mother’s encouraged me with “while at least you got her to ask the question!” )

God is indeed very real, as real as he was when Stephen testified about him. He is real and working in the lives of the nations and the lives of individuals. May we submit to him and follow his lead.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

An Acts-ive Faith (Part 6)

Ministering Daily

Acts 6:1 In those days, as the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebrew Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.

Problems caused by quick growth started to occur in the early church. Some people and their needs were getting overlooked. Specifically, some widows were not receiving their daily distribution. This meant that these widows were to be visited daily — given what they needed for that day. The contact with the needy was constant.

This challenges me with the thought: whose need have I met today? Am I living for myself, just doing whatever I please, or am I actively seeking ways to minister to others?

Another challenge to myself from this verse is: am I daily ministering to the Lord and allowing Him to minister to me? Am I seeing all the ways the Lord is ministering to me? I recognized yesterday that the Lord had used my husband to minister to me in several ways.

My husband and I are in a season where we are taking daily communion. Am I spending enough time in communion with the Lord?

Prayer: Lord, may we all minister to you daily and allow You to minster to us. Help us think of a person to minister to each and every day.

Now, I’m off to email a friend who may need to hear from me.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

An Acts-ive Faith (Part 5)

Dieing to Impress

Acts 5:5 When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard.

Acts 5 details two deaths. Ananias and Sapphira sold property. They gave part of the money, but said they had given all. They could have avoided death by simply telling the truth.

Acts 434 states that there was not a needy person among the believers, because those who owned property were selling it and laying the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. It mentions one person in particular, Joseph who was a Levite and a Cypriot by birth. The apostles called him Barnabas.

Selling property and giving the proceeds to the church could have made others praise some of the rich early believers. Those in need, and maybe even the apostles themselves, would be impressed by the givers’ generosity. Ananias and Sapphira may have wanted that good name, but not wanted to pay the full cost of it. So they agreed to lie. They paid for that lie with their lives. Peter said they did not lie to men, but to God.

My prayer is “Lord, help my be honest — first with you and myself and then with others. Help me be who you made me to be. In your mercy, keep me from the need to impress others. Keep me from overstating who I am and the gifts you have given me. Help me give all glory to You. Amen.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

“An Acts-ive Faith” (Part 4)

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Acts 4:11,12 When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that there were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in response.

The rulers were not used to being taught by fishermen. They had asked by what power or in what name Peter and john had healed the lame man. Peter gave them the answer: it was in the name of Jesus. The rulers then realized the men had been with Jesus. Spiritual power does not come from education level or social status. It comes from time spent with the Lord.

May I so walk in my life that people recognize that I have been with Jesus.

May I not care if they call me “uneducated and untrained “. Every job has its skill level, and Peter and John were professional fishermen — a blue collar job, but one that provided food to the population.

Another Thought: A Beggar No More:

Acts 4:14 And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in response.

The 40 year old man (his age is given in Acts 4:22) had been healed the previous day. When Peter took him by the hand and raised him up, his feet and ankle bones had received strength. Acts 3:8 tells us he jumped up , stood and started to walk. He entered the temple complex with them ‘walking, leaping and praising God’. The 40 year-old man was inside the temple. He was not just at its gates begging. He was no longer lame, he was not longer a beggar. What a life change!

Life changes happen to us all. We go from childhood to adulthood, from being in school, to having a job, from being single to being married, from working to retirement. How do we best deal with all these changes?

The lame man chose to stay with people who knew the Lord. Who we hang out with matters., especially as we rebuild our lives after a time of change.

I recently retired. How will I spend my time? I have many hobbies and there is always chores to do, so filling time is not a problem. But how do I best fill my time? I don’t want my time to be filled with activities that don’t matter. As I make these changes, I will be hanging out with Godly friends, who will help me further fulfill my calling. We are not to old to do what God would have us do or to have him heal us. Remember the man who was healed was 40 years old.

Thank you Lord that I am not to old to have a miracle performed over me.

cc: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

“An Acts-ive Faith” (Part 3)

Acts 3:16 By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him the perfect health in front of you all.,

The Contemporary English version of the Bible words the verse this way: “You see this man, and you know him. He put his faith in the name of Jesus and was made strong. Faith in Jesus made this man completely well while everyone was watching.

Peter and John had gone to the temple to pray, They prayed for a lame beggar, who became whole. He entered the temple with them, walking, jumping and praising God.

The man had been made strong because of faith in Jesus.

What areas of my body need healing? What areas of my life need to be made strong by the name of Jesus?

One of the areas of my life that needs strengthening is finishing projects. I am better at starting projects than completing them. In late December and early January, I made sure that I completed a few of my unfinished projects. They included doll clothes for my sister’s grandchildren. The effect on the grand scheme of things of me completing those items: zero. However, because of the Lord’s great love for me, I believe it is still important to Him. He wants me to grow in character, so that I am a ‘completer;, that I finish well what I start.

I am so happy that in the most important area of my life, my faith, I do not have finish alone. Scripture says that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Another Thought:

The man was strengthened in his feet and ankles. He was strengthened to walk in the presence of the Holy Spirit. He jumped for joy as he entered the temple gates.

I am an analytical introvert who tends to be serious a lot of the time. Jesus is working in my life. People who know me may be surprised as they see me beginning to leap for joy, as Jesus brings further healing into my life.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

“An Acts-ive Faith” (Part 2b)

Acts 2: We Are all Witnesses

Acts 2:32 “God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this.

Murray and i were both part of a mission trip to Estonia and Russia in the mid-90s. Around that time we dated for awhile, but went out separate ways.

I continued to work and be active in children’s ministry.

A friend invited me to pray at a business and at one of the meetings, she said her pastor was gong to be there. She did not have to introduce us — his first name was Murray. We ended up taking a second look at each other and spending time together. We recently celebrated our twelth wedding anniversary.

As a twelve year old, one of my prayer requests was to marry a man who loved the Lord and who loved to pray. The Lord enabled me to do that. The Lord also allowed me to be a pastor in charge of children’s ministry for a short time.

Prayer is still a big part of our lives, even though my husband and I no longer have pastoral roles.

I have testimonies of God helping me breath when I was suffering a bad asthma attack, of being protected from a car accident that should have happened, of God providing friends to this introvert.

Jesus is still alive and working. Of that, I am a witness.

CC: K Carswell 2022

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.