Devotionals from The Foursquare Church http://www.foursquare.org/articles Devotionals + Inspiration en Foursquare Church Copyright 2012 2012-02-21T15:00:08+00:00 Luke 4-10: Receiving Wholeness, Integrity and Alignment http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/receiving_wholeness_integrity_and_alignment http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/receiving_wholeness_integrity_and_alignment#When:14:00:00Z For a number of years now, The Foursquare Church has utilized an excellent resource entitled Focused Living, in which a participant engages a process of discovery and develops a personal calling statement.

The components include one’s biblical purpose (Who am I to be?), values (How am I to live?) and vision (What am I called to do?). Focused Living helps people align their lives with the design God intended for them.

As I read Luke 4-10, I am reminded of the Focused Living process. The events that took place in this passage—from the time of Jesus’ baptism, to the wilderness testing, back to his hometown and the launch of His public ministry—included all the elements of a good Focused Living retreat!

At Jesus’ baptism, the voice from Heaven established His identity: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” He was to live out of the confident knowledge that the Father was pleased with Him simply because He was His Son.

The Spirit settled upon Jesus to empower Him to “be” and to “do” what the Father had planned. Throughout His life, we see the value Jesus placed on being alone so He could be renewed in the Spirit’s power. He demonstrated a consistent commitment to do and say what He saw the Father doing.

Then, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tested.

During this time in the wilderness, Jesus' values seemed to be forged as He experienced the pressure from within and without. In each setting, He answered the test questions about identity (“If you are the Son of God ...”), how He would use His power and where His devotion would rest. 

In the final “session,” Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned to His hometown, entered the synagogue and read His personal calling statement (Luke 4:18-19, NKJV):

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

His words amazed the people, yet, even with all of this, his friends and family saw Him differently than He was. They asked, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” He was plagued with people who questioned not only His identity, but also His motives and action.

You may be asking, “So, what does this have to do with wholeness?”

As I studied this topic, I found an interesting correlation between the words "wholeness," "integrity" and "alignment." This process in Jesus’ early life and ministry reveals a deeper understanding of wholeness in what He modeled, proclaimed and delivered to this broken world.

"Wholeness" means not wounded, injured or impaired. It also means complete, entire and undivided.

The word "integrity" stems from the Latin adjective integer, meaning "whole, complete, aligned."

"Alignment" is the proper or desirable coordination or relation of components, or identification with or matching of the behavior, thoughts, etc., of another person. Consider the philosophy of chiropractic medicine that if the body is in alignment, the healing agent inherent within it will bring about wholeness.

In the narrative of Luke 4-10, we see Jesus aligning everything He is, says and does with who the Father intended. By doing so, Jesus modeled the wholeness He was sent to proclaim and deliver. This wholeness is for the whole man: spirit, soul and body.

As a person aligns with Christ through salvation, his or her spirit is made whole in an instant. But for a person’s soul to be completely whole, the critical component is to live in alignment with the Spirit, inside and out. This allows the completed healing work of the Spirit to flow through every broken place of a person’s soul—no mask, no fig leaf, just the integrity of transparent honesty. 

The alignment of the vertebrae of our core self allows the life-blood of Jesus to restore every painful place. The places that have become numb are restored to vibrancy, and the release of a full range of motion is returned.

Aligned in who we are, how we are to live and what we are to do, we can now be free and whole to fulfill our own personal calling statement. We can partner with God in His mission to proclaim good news:

“To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

By: Tammy Dunahoo, vice president of U.S. operations, general supervisor of The Foursquare Church

Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> For a number of years now, The Foursquare Church has utilized an excellent resource entitled Focused Living, in which a participant engages a process of discovery and develops a personal calling statement. The components include one’s biblical purpose (Who am I to be?), values (How am I to live?) and vision (What am I called to do?). Focused Living helps people align their lives with the design God intended for them. As I read Luke 4-10, I am reminded of the Focused Living process. The events that took place in this passage—from the time of Jesus’ baptism, to the wilderness testing, back to his hometown and the launch of His public ministry—included all the elements of a good Focused Living retreat! At Jesus’ baptism, the voice from Heaven established His identity: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” He was to live out of the confident knowledge that the Father was pleased with Him simply because He was His Son. The Spirit settled upon Jesus to empower Him to “be” and to “do” what the Father had planned. Throughout His life, we see the value Jesus placed on being alone so He could be renewed in the Spirit’s power. He demonstrated a consistent commitment to do and say what He saw the Father doing. Then, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tested. During this time in the wilderness, Jesus' values seemed to be forged as He experienced the pressure from within and without. In each setting, He answered the test questions about identity (“If you are the Son of God ...”), how He would use His power and where His devotion would rest.  In the final “session,” Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned to His hometown, entered the synagogue and read His personal calling statement (Luke 4:18-19, NKJV): “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” His words amazed the people, yet, even with all of this, his friends and family saw Him differently than He was. They asked, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” He was plagued with people who questioned not only His identity, but also His motives and action. You may be asking, “So, what does this have to do with wholeness?” As I studied this topic, I found an interesting correlation between the words "wholeness," "integrity" and "alignment." This process in Jesus’ early life and ministry reveals a deeper understanding of wholeness in what He modeled, proclaimed and delivered to this broken world. "Wholeness" means not wounded, injured or impaired. It also means complete, entire and undivided. The word "integrity" stems from the Latin adjective integer, meaning "whole, complete, aligned." "Alignment" is the proper or desirable coordination or relation of components, or identification with or matching of the behavior, thoughts, etc., of another person. Consider the philosophy of chiropractic medicine that if the body is in alignment, the healing agent inherent within it will bring about wholeness. In the narrative of Luke 4-10, we see Jesus aligning everything He is, says and does with who the Father intended. By doing so, Jesus modeled the wholeness He was sent to proclaim and deliver. This wholeness is for the whole man: spirit, soul and body. As a person aligns with Christ through salvation, his or her spirit is made whole in an instant. But for a person’s soul to be completely whole, the critical component is to live in alignment with the Spirit, inside and out. This allows the completed healing work of the Spirit to flow through every broken place of a person’s soul—no mask, no fig leaf, just the integrity of transparent honesty.  The alignment of the vertebrae of our core self allows the life-blood of Jesus to restore every painful place. The places that have become numb are restored to vibrancy, and the release of a full range of motion is returned. Aligned in who we are, how we are to live and what we are to do, we can now be free and whole to fulfill our own personal calling statement. We can partner with God in His mission to proclaim good news: “To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” By: Tammy Dunahoo, vice president of U.S. operations, general supervisor of The Foursquare Church Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world. gospels 2012, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2012-02-17T14:00:00+00:00 Mark 14–Luke 3: Overcoming Darkness With the Light of the World http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/overcoming_darkness_with_the_light_of_the_world http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/overcoming_darkness_with_the_light_of_the_world#When:13:59:00Z An election year seems to bring its share of doom and gloom. 

It often appears that those running for office (and those who make their living talking about them) would rather highlight the negatives of the opponent or issue than emphasize the positives. The temptation for most of us is to follow suit. 

Of course, a strong argument can be made for these being dark times. The economy has taken a dramatic hit, and it seems that crisis looms everywhere one looks in the world. In my own home state of Washington, the people of God are being confronted with a shifting culture that is rapidly moving away from what many believe to be God’s idea of human flourishing. Though the situation is pressing, it shouldn’t be a surprise.

In 1459, Italian painter Andrea Mantegna completed his work depicting the darkest moment that history would ever know: Christ's crucifixion. What better image could portray the darkness of the world than the story told in this week's reading, Mark 14–Luke 3?

Mantegna covers the entire scene portrayed in Mark 15. The two robbers are present. Mary Magdalene and Salome are consoling the mother of Jesus. Some of the soldiers are bartering over the garments belonging to the Messiah. At the center of Mantegna’s painting is Christ crucified, the Son of God treated as a criminal and bearing the weight of all of our sin. 

Yet, the painting tells another story as well. On the far right edge there is another man. The centurion sits on his horse, his face turned toward Jesus. Mantegna is attempting to portray the very moment of conversion for this soldier, the point at which he says, “Truly this man was the son of God!” (Mark 15:39, NKJV). 

Just as with the centurion, it is precisely during times like this—the darkest of hours—in which the light of the world shines on people's souls.

It seems to me that we have a decision to make. We can choose to mirror the vitriol and rancor of those who would declare this epoch a lost one. We can elect to parrot those who would rant and sow words of despair. Or, we can be a people of hope. 

Are we not that people? Are we not the very ones on whom the light of Christ has shone? Yes, of course we are. May we then be a restorative, truthful and loving people who walk boldly into this bent world with the knowledge that it is in those dark streets that the everlasting light shines.

By: Russ Schlecht, senior pastor of Living Word Fellowship (Oak Harbor II) in Oak Harbor, Wash.

Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> An election year seems to bring its share of doom and gloom.  It often appears that those running for office (and those who make their living talking about them) would rather highlight the negatives of the opponent or issue than emphasize the positives. The temptation for most of us is to follow suit.  Of course, a strong argument can be made for these being dark times. The economy has taken a dramatic hit, and it seems that crisis looms everywhere one looks in the world. In my own home state of Washington, the people of God are being confronted with a shifting culture that is rapidly moving away from what many believe to be God’s idea of human flourishing. Though the situation is pressing, it shouldn’t be a surprise. In 1459, Italian painter Andrea Mantegna completed his work depicting the darkest moment that history would ever know: Christ's crucifixion. What better image could portray the darkness of the world than the story told in this week's reading, Mark 14–Luke 3? Mantegna covers the entire scene portrayed in Mark 15. The two robbers are present. Mary Magdalene and Salome are consoling the mother of Jesus. Some of the soldiers are bartering over the garments belonging to the Messiah. At the center of Mantegna’s painting is Christ crucified, the Son of God treated as a criminal and bearing the weight of all of our sin.  Yet, the painting tells another story as well. On the far right edge there is another man. The centurion sits on his horse, his face turned toward Jesus. Mantegna is attempting to portray the very moment of conversion for this soldier, the point at which he says, “Truly this man was the son of God!” (Mark 15:39, NKJV).  Just as with the centurion, it is precisely during times like this—the darkest of hours—in which the light of the world shines on people's souls. It seems to me that we have a decision to make. We can choose to mirror the vitriol and rancor of those who would declare this epoch a lost one. We can elect to parrot those who would rant and sow words of despair. Or, we can be a people of hope.  Are we not that people? Are we not the very ones on whom the light of Christ has shone? Yes, of course we are. May we then be a restorative, truthful and loving people who walk boldly into this bent world with the knowledge that it is in those dark streets that the everlasting light shines. By: Russ Schlecht, senior pastor of Living Word Fellowship (Oak Harbor II) in Oak Harbor, Wash. Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world. gospels 2012, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2012-02-10T13:59:00+00:00 Mark 8-13: Jesus, My Reconciler http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/jesus_my_reconciler http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/jesus_my_reconciler#When:14:00:00Z This week in the book of Mark, we will read a host of questions the disciples asked Jesus, trying to grasp the depth of truth He taught. Sometimes they were simply slow to understand, but at other times Jesus indicated they were just being stubborn: “Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?” (Mark 8:17, NKJV).

The disciples weren't the only ones who have struggled with the depth of truth Jesus taught. We love the aspects of Jesus the Savior reconciling the world to God, of settling our debts and removing our condemnation, of bringing us into His life and giving us the word of reconciliation. But sometimes we’re not as excited about His payment for sin when we’re talking about other people’s sins against us. What about the aspect of Jesus being the reconciler—the satisfactory reconciliation—of our debtors?

Years ago, one of my best friends and co-laborers went off the deep end. It got so bad that he threatened a lawsuit against the church we had worked on together. We received legal advice and decided to pay him; it was cheaper than winning. Reluctantly, we paid. I could hardly believe I was awake during this nightmare.

Then, someone stepped in and reimbursed us. The person actually added a little more to round out the numbers. And I was faced with a soul-gouging question: “What am I going to do about forgiveness now?”

The offense had been paid in full, and then some. I couldn’t be mad about the money. It had been replenished. I couldn’t even be mad about our relationship, because now that I wasn’t distracted with the small stuff, I could see the bigger picture: the pain of my friend, the self-inflicted suffering he was enduring and the triumph of our “true enemy,” who erroneously thought he had beaten both of us.

Two thousand years ago, there was that one sacrifice on the cross, and God counted it satisfactory for all time.

So, what about us? Will we respond like God? Will Jesus’ one payment be enough? Or will we still struggle to withhold what was perfectly done? If we see forgiveness as a work completely accomplished—sin settled and a little more—then we will grant it, immediately, with or without other people's apologies, and be free to see things as they are.

To this day, I have never been asked by my friend for forgiveness. However, I smile when I see him in church and working alongside us again in full restoration, because I profited from my experience with him, in so many ways.

Jesus is the reconciler of all our trespasses and all the trespasses done against us. So the next time you’re pushed and shoved—and there will always be a next time, because people always will be people—forgive freely and quickly. You can be sure there’s profit in it for you!

By: Cere Muscarella, senior pastor at Life Church in Angleton, Texas

Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.

 

]]> This week in the book of Mark, we will read a host of questions the disciples asked Jesus, trying to grasp the depth of truth He taught. Sometimes they were simply slow to understand, but at other times Jesus indicated they were just being stubborn: “Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?” (Mark 8:17, NKJV). The disciples weren't the only ones who have struggled with the depth of truth Jesus taught. We love the aspects of Jesus the Savior reconciling the world to God, of settling our debts and removing our condemnation, of bringing us into His life and giving us the word of reconciliation. But sometimes we’re not as excited about His payment for sin when we’re talking about other people’s sins against us. What about the aspect of Jesus being the reconciler—the satisfactory reconciliation—of our debtors? Years ago, one of my best friends and co-laborers went off the deep end. It got so bad that he threatened a lawsuit against the church we had worked on together. We received legal advice and decided to pay him; it was cheaper than winning. Reluctantly, we paid. I could hardly believe I was awake during this nightmare. Then, someone stepped in and reimbursed us. The person actually added a little more to round out the numbers. And I was faced with a soul-gouging question: “What am I going to do about forgiveness now?” The offense had been paid in full, and then some. I couldn’t be mad about the money. It had been replenished. I couldn’t even be mad about our relationship, because now that I wasn’t distracted with the small stuff, I could see the bigger picture: the pain of my friend, the self-inflicted suffering he was enduring and the triumph of our “true enemy,” who erroneously thought he had beaten both of us. Two thousand years ago, there was that one sacrifice on the cross, and God counted it satisfactory for all time. So, what about us? Will we respond like God? Will Jesus’ one payment be enough? Or will we still struggle to withhold what was perfectly done? If we see forgiveness as a work completely accomplished—sin settled and a little more—then we will grant it, immediately, with or without other people's apologies, and be free to see things as they are. To this day, I have never been asked by my friend for forgiveness. However, I smile when I see him in church and working alongside us again in full restoration, because I profited from my experience with him, in so many ways. Jesus is the reconciler of all our trespasses and all the trespasses done against us. So the next time you’re pushed and shoved—and there will always be a next time, because people always will be people—forgive freely and quickly. You can be sure there’s profit in it for you! By: Cere Muscarella, senior pastor at Life Church in Angleton, Texas Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.   gospels 2012, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2012-02-03T14:00:00+00:00 Mark 1-7: Hallelujah, What a Savior! http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/hallelujah_what_a_savior http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/hallelujah_what_a_savior#When:14:00:00Z The book of Mark, thought to be the oldest of the Gospels, is a book of dynamic action! The word “immediately” or its equivalent is used 41 times in these 16 chapters, and is generally associated with Jesus the Savior. 

At His birth, Mary’s Son was named Jesus (Savior), a name supernaturally given to Joseph in a dream predicting that He would save His people from their sins.

In his first few chapters, Mark clearly teaches that Jesus the Savior provides salvation (deliverance) from demons (1:23-26, 29; 5:1-20), sickness (1:29-34, 40-45), sin (2:5), legalism (2:23-28), barrenness (4:1-9), danger (4:35-41; 6:45-52) and death (5:21-43). 

The psalmist wrote, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1, NKJV). We need light, because we are blinded to our sinful condition as well as God’s wonderful remedy for it. Jesus reveals Himself as our salvation; for those fearful that they could never live the Christian life, He also reveals Himself as the strength of our lives. 

Rather than being a warm, cozy feeling, our salvation is a person—Jesus Christ. 

When Joseph and Mary took baby Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord, a devout elderly Jew, Simeon, held the baby in his arms and said, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation” (Luke 2:29-30). The salvation lying in Simeon’s arms now lives in our hearts! 

John Wesley said of baby Jesus, “He was God contracted to a span.” This little 18-inch-long, dark-haired, dark-eyed baby was God in flesh. He had made the ground His mother walked upon, the water she drank, and the air she breathed. Rather than coming to Earth to simply masquerade as a man, He became a specific identifiable human being with a name, rank and serial number.

Today Jesus the Savior still seeks to save the lost. This One Who is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8) is still able, willing, ready and anxious to meet the needs of all who come to Him. As surely as He delivered those referenced in Mark 1-7 who were troubled by demonic powers, sickness, sin, religious legalism, barrenness, danger and fear of death, our Savior does the same today.

In agreement with the hymn writer we say, "Hallelujah, what a Savior!" 

By: Harold Helms, pastor, educator, and church administrator for over 50 years. He was senior pastor of the historic Angelus Temple in Los Angeles for 18 years; served on the International Board of The Foursquare Church; served as vice president for 13 years; and served as interim president for one year. He continues to minister out of Bakersfield, Calif., where he and his wife, Winona, now live.

Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> The book of Mark, thought to be the oldest of the Gospels, is a book of dynamic action! The word “immediately” or its equivalent is used 41 times in these 16 chapters, and is generally associated with Jesus the Savior.  At His birth, Mary’s Son was named Jesus (Savior), a name supernaturally given to Joseph in a dream predicting that He would save His people from their sins. In his first few chapters, Mark clearly teaches that Jesus the Savior provides salvation (deliverance) from demons (1:23-26, 29; 5:1-20), sickness (1:29-34, 40-45), sin (2:5), legalism (2:23-28), barrenness (4:1-9), danger (4:35-41; 6:45-52) and death (5:21-43).  The psalmist wrote, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1, NKJV). We need light, because we are blinded to our sinful condition as well as God’s wonderful remedy for it. Jesus reveals Himself as our salvation; for those fearful that they could never live the Christian life, He also reveals Himself as the strength of our lives.  Rather than being a warm, cozy feeling, our salvation is a person—Jesus Christ.  When Joseph and Mary took baby Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord, a devout elderly Jew, Simeon, held the baby in his arms and said, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation” (Luke 2:29-30). The salvation lying in Simeon’s arms now lives in our hearts!  John Wesley said of baby Jesus, “He was God contracted to a span.” This little 18-inch-long, dark-haired, dark-eyed baby was God in flesh. He had made the ground His mother walked upon, the water she drank, and the air she breathed. Rather than coming to Earth to simply masquerade as a man, He became a specific identifiable human being with a name, rank and serial number. Today Jesus the Savior still seeks to save the lost. This One Who is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8) is still able, willing, ready and anxious to meet the needs of all who come to Him. As surely as He delivered those referenced in Mark 1-7 who were troubled by demonic powers, sickness, sin, religious legalism, barrenness, danger and fear of death, our Savior does the same today. In agreement with the hymn writer we say, "Hallelujah, what a Savior!"  By: Harold Helms, pastor, educator, and church administrator for over 50 years. He was senior pastor of the historic Angelus Temple in Los Angeles for 18 years; served on the International Board of The Foursquare Church; served as vice president for 13 years; and served as interim president for one year. He continues to minister out of Bakersfield, Calif., where he and his wife, Winona, now live. Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world. gospels 2012, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2012-01-27T14:00:00+00:00 Matthew 22-28: Walking the Unthinkable Road http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/walking_the_unthinkable_road http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/walking_the_unthinkable_road#When:14:00:00Z This week in Matthew 27 we read about Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and the unbelievable events that led up to His death on the cross. He tried to prepare Peter and the other disciples for all that would happen, but as the events began to unfold, the journey must have seemed unthinkable, especially to Peter.

He had no difficulty with believing Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of God. But Peter couldn’t imagine that Jesus’ life would end as the Savior described in Matthew 16. The image of Jesus being brutally tortured and killed by evil men could not register in his soul.

I imagine Peter saying to himself: “This can’t be true; it must be another test to see if we’re paying attention. This is not the God I know!” 

Peter's sharp rebuke of the Master in Matthew 16:22 only exposes the struggle we all have in trying to make sense of a God who could make such an unbelievable demand. Jesus’ response was “unthinkable” to Peter. 

So what happens when the road in front of us entails an unusual amount of pain, suffering and sacrifice? When it goes beyond the boundaries of what seems reasonable or fair, how will we respond? Can we follow the Lord down a road that appears unredeemable?

Peter struggled to believe God’s plan could entail the torture and death of His Son. What good could come from such a messed-up situation? How could Jesus allow Himself to go along with this plan? Peter must have had a hundred ideas that sounded better to him than this one.

But Jesus declared: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25, NKJV).

The cross was the unthinkable road before Jesus. The true power and purpose of His life lie at the end of that road.

Resurrection, life and power lie at the end of the unthinkable road.

Several times along our discipleship pathway, we will find ourselves staring down a road that challenges our perspective of what God can redeem for the good. Like Peter, we might ask, “How can this be God’s best plan, and how can He bring life out of this?” 

Be encouraged! We follow in the footsteps of a Savior who has already been down that road. In His resurrection, He redeemed our lives from the abyss of pointless suffering. 

Now, when we walk down the unthinkable road before us, we know what awaits us: everlasting life, unshakable faith, kingdom reward, transformed character, greater authority, increased intimacy with the Father and more! 

Thank you, Jesus!

What unthinkable road lies before you? What reality pushes the limits of your faith? It may be that you are at one of those discipleship moments right now.

Praise the Lord, for He is good! His love endures forever!

By: Ryan Oddo, senior pastor The Bridge (Rancho Margarita South Foursquare Church) in Rancho Margarita, Calif.

Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> This week in Matthew 27 we read about Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and the unbelievable events that led up to His death on the cross. He tried to prepare Peter and the other disciples for all that would happen, but as the events began to unfold, the journey must have seemed unthinkable, especially to Peter. He had no difficulty with believing Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of God. But Peter couldn’t imagine that Jesus’ life would end as the Savior described in Matthew 16. The image of Jesus being brutally tortured and killed by evil men could not register in his soul. I imagine Peter saying to himself: “This can’t be true; it must be another test to see if we’re paying attention. This is not the God I know!”  Peter's sharp rebuke of the Master in Matthew 16:22 only exposes the struggle we all have in trying to make sense of a God who could make such an unbelievable demand. Jesus’ response was “unthinkable” to Peter.  So what happens when the road in front of us entails an unusual amount of pain, suffering and sacrifice? When it goes beyond the boundaries of what seems reasonable or fair, how will we respond? Can we follow the Lord down a road that appears unredeemable? Peter struggled to believe God’s plan could entail the torture and death of His Son. What good could come from such a messed-up situation? How could Jesus allow Himself to go along with this plan? Peter must have had a hundred ideas that sounded better to him than this one. But Jesus declared: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25, NKJV). The cross was the unthinkable road before Jesus. The true power and purpose of His life lie at the end of that road. Resurrection, life and power lie at the end of the unthinkable road. Several times along our discipleship pathway, we will find ourselves staring down a road that challenges our perspective of what God can redeem for the good. Like Peter, we might ask, “How can this be God’s best plan, and how can He bring life out of this?”  Be encouraged! We follow in the footsteps of a Savior who has already been down that road. In His resurrection, He redeemed our lives from the abyss of pointless suffering.  Now, when we walk down the unthinkable road before us, we know what awaits us: everlasting life, unshakable faith, kingdom reward, transformed character, greater authority, increased intimacy with the Father and more!  Thank you, Jesus! What unthinkable road lies before you? What reality pushes the limits of your faith? It may be that you are at one of those discipleship moments right now. Praise the Lord, for He is good! His love endures forever! By: Ryan Oddo, senior pastor The Bridge (Rancho Margarita South Foursquare Church) in Rancho Margarita, Calif. Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world. gospels 2012, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2012-01-20T14:00:00+00:00 Matthew 15-21: Forgiveness, A Great Power Source for Freedom http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/forgiveness_a_great_power_source_for_freedom http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/forgiveness_a_great_power_source_for_freedom#When:14:00:00Z During my teenage years, a close friend did something very hurtful and mean to me. I vowed I would not forgive her. My conversation with my family, other friends and whoever would listen was consumed with my unforgiving attitude toward this friend. 

One day, my mother spoke to me about my conversations and behavior. She taught me a principle about forgiveness that I will never forget. 

She said: “Anyone who has offended you and that you have not forgiven controls you. Your mind is consumed with how you might get revenge or how you might cause that person to hurt as much as you hurt."

“They take power over your life,” she continued, “and guess what—they don’t even know it. No one deserves that much power.” 

My mother prayed with me and asked me to confess my sin of not forgiving this friend. In so doing, she taught me the Matthew 18 principle of forgiveness. I was free!

A group of friends brought a paralytic to Jesus, requesting healing. Everyone looked for the miraculous to occur; instead Jesus’ first response was, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you,” and later, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house” (see Matt. 9:1-8, NKJV). 

Forgiveness of sin is miraculous. But what did Jesus’ responses have to do with their request? 

It’s quite simple, really. Jesus didn’t just see a paralytic. Instead, He saw a man with hidden sin who needed forgiveness. Jesus saw sin that caused brokenness and sorrow. Addressing sin as the source of brokenness and physical pain is the core of Jesus’ work in us, especially as it relates to forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the act of exempting or releasing a guilty party from punishment, the act of extending freedom. Jesus forgives us of our sin; therefore, we must forgive others (see Matt. 6:12).

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified the power of forgiveness as he led powerfully and non-violently, peacefully with control, during times of social upheaval in this nation.

“Let freedom ring,” the clarion call of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, was not solely looking to change political laws, but rather focused on the repentance of a nation to her God and His Word. It was about the reconciling of mankind to one another through repentance and forgiveness. 

By: Doretha O’Quinn, PhD, an ordained Foursquare minister, college professor and a member of the Foursquare cabinet.

Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> During my teenage years, a close friend did something very hurtful and mean to me. I vowed I would not forgive her. My conversation with my family, other friends and whoever would listen was consumed with my unforgiving attitude toward this friend.  One day, my mother spoke to me about my conversations and behavior. She taught me a principle about forgiveness that I will never forget.  She said: “Anyone who has offended you and that you have not forgiven controls you. Your mind is consumed with how you might get revenge or how you might cause that person to hurt as much as you hurt." “They take power over your life,” she continued, “and guess what—they don’t even know it. No one deserves that much power.”  My mother prayed with me and asked me to confess my sin of not forgiving this friend. In so doing, she taught me the Matthew 18 principle of forgiveness. I was free! A group of friends brought a paralytic to Jesus, requesting healing. Everyone looked for the miraculous to occur; instead Jesus’ first response was, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you,” and later, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house” (see Matt. 9:1-8, NKJV).  Forgiveness of sin is miraculous. But what did Jesus’ responses have to do with their request?  It’s quite simple, really. Jesus didn’t just see a paralytic. Instead, He saw a man with hidden sin who needed forgiveness. Jesus saw sin that caused brokenness and sorrow. Addressing sin as the source of brokenness and physical pain is the core of Jesus’ work in us, especially as it relates to forgiveness. Forgiveness is the act of exempting or releasing a guilty party from punishment, the act of extending freedom. Jesus forgives us of our sin; therefore, we must forgive others (see Matt. 6:12). Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified the power of forgiveness as he led powerfully and non-violently, peacefully with control, during times of social upheaval in this nation. “Let freedom ring,” the clarion call of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, was not solely looking to change political laws, but rather focused on the repentance of a nation to her God and His Word. It was about the reconciling of mankind to one another through repentance and forgiveness.  By: Doretha O’Quinn, PhD, an ordained Foursquare minister, college professor and a member of the Foursquare cabinet. Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world. gospels 2012, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2012-01-13T14:00:00+00:00 Matthew 1-14: Answering Jesus’ Call http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/answering_jesus_call http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/answering_jesus_call#When:14:00:00Z Remember December 7, 1941? That date remains in our memories due to the devastating effects of Pearl Harbor being bombed that fateful Sunday morning. How were we caught so off guard when, in 1925, Colonel Billy Mitchell had predicted that Japan would bombard us by air?

The colonel’s prediction was accurate to within 25 minutes of the actual time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Remember the Sony MP3 player? It was the first digital audio player on the market, and yet you would be hard pressed to find one today. Steve Jobs' book tells us that Apple got the upper hand in this marketing battle, in part because of Sony’s reluctance to hurt its own record division.

Wow! 

Remember where you where when Jesus first called you to Himself?

“When Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called 'the Baptizer,' was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: 'Change your life. God’s kingdom is here,' " (Matt. 3:1, The Message).

John’s call was not just to the Galileans but also to us, to turn to God and change. Change your life because the presence of the living God is here! As we will see in this week’s reading plan, John was so committed to preaching a message of personal change that it would ultimately cost him his life (Matt 14:1-12).

The word “change” in Matthew 3 is often the word “repent” in other versions and is most often used to tell us to change directions. Yet, we tend to judge repentance on how much emotion is packed into the change. Did you cry, wail, grovel or beg for forgiveness, as opposed to truly changing your direction?

God coming near to me brought radical repentance, which translated to deep change in my life.

It was easy to change from darkness to light, and yet He isn’t through with me, and is still calling me to change. What sin I was to repent from back then was obvious. But the changes He calls me to make today are no less important to the kingdom of God.

I don’t want a Pearl Harbor to happen in my life because I disregarded the warning signs God put in my path. Nor do I not want to become the Sony MP3 player simply because I’m reluctant to adjust my course.

Change! It’s what’s required of me every day.

What is the Lord asking you to change today?

By: Dave Veach, district supervisor of Foursquare's Northwest District

Share your journey through the Gospels. Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> Remember December 7, 1941? That date remains in our memories due to the devastating effects of Pearl Harbor being bombed that fateful Sunday morning. How were we caught so off guard when, in 1925, Colonel Billy Mitchell had predicted that Japan would bombard us by air? The colonel’s prediction was accurate to within 25 minutes of the actual time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Remember the Sony MP3 player? It was the first digital audio player on the market, and yet you would be hard pressed to find one today. Steve Jobs' book tells us that Apple got the upper hand in this marketing battle, in part because of Sony’s reluctance to hurt its own record division. Wow!  Remember where you where when Jesus first called you to Himself? “When Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called 'the Baptizer,' was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: 'Change your life. God’s kingdom is here,' " (Matt. 3:1, The Message). John’s call was not just to the Galileans but also to us, to turn to God and change. Change your life because the presence of the living God is here! As we will see in this week’s reading plan, John was so committed to preaching a message of personal change that it would ultimately cost him his life (Matt 14:1-12). The word “change” in Matthew 3 is often the word “repent” in other versions and is most often used to tell us to change directions. Yet, we tend to judge repentance on how much emotion is packed into the change. Did you cry, wail, grovel or beg for forgiveness, as opposed to truly changing your direction? God coming near to me brought radical repentance, which translated to deep change in my life. It was easy to change from darkness to light, and yet He isn’t through with me, and is still calling me to change. What sin I was to repent from back then was obvious. But the changes He calls me to make today are no less important to the kingdom of God. I don’t want a Pearl Harbor to happen in my life because I disregarded the warning signs God put in my path. Nor do I not want to become the Sony MP3 player simply because I’m reluctant to adjust my course. Change! It’s what’s required of me every day. What is the Lord asking you to change today? By: Dave Veach, district supervisor of Foursquare's Northwest District Share your journey through the Gospels. Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world. gospels 2012, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2012-01-06T14:00:00+00:00 Journey Through the Gospels in 2012 http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/journey_through_the_gospels_in_2012 http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/journey_through_the_gospels_in_2012#When:14:00:00Z Rising to 10,341 feet above sea level, Monserrate is a mountain that dominates the city center of Bogota, the capital city of Colombia. On this mountain, there is a 17th-century church built with a marble altar that was deeply carved with the symbols from the vision of Ezekiel 1, concerning the four faces of the cherubim—those of a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle.  

When I visited this impressive cathedral, I was immediately reminded of the foundational message that was preached in Oakland, Calif., by our founder, Aimee Semple McPherson, in 1922. In it, she described Ezekiel’s vision and confidently declared that his vision had prophesied the four compelling pillars of the coming ministry of Jesus Christ: that of Savior, Healer, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, and Soon-Coming King.

Savior: In the face of the man, Sister McPherson saw that Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world so that we could be restored in our relationship with God.

Baptizer with the Holy Spirit: In the face of the lion, she saw this mighty king of the beasts, the “lion of the tribe of Judah,” as one who would constantly cause the flow of the Spirit to infill us with His power.

Healer: Sister McPherson saw in the face of the ox the burden bearer, the one who bears not only our sins and iniquities, but also our pains and sicknesses.

Soon-Coming King: She saw in the face of the eagle a sweeping downward without warning to retrieve His bride, as one exercising complete dominion over the earth.

These identity markers—framed by our movement’s present symbols of the cross, the dove, the cup and the crown—still connect a global movement that has exploded from one church in 1923 to nearly 70,000 today. Jesus declared in Matthew 16 that He would build a church that hell could not hold back. He would build that great church on the revelation of who He is.

In 2012, we invite you to take a journey with us through the gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Read a chapter a day from these eyewitness accounts, and you will cover the gospels each quarter. As you do, watch God rekindle in you the greatest story ever told.  

Each week, we will use our Foursquare Leader Prayer email to focus on the fourfold message of Jesus. That combination of reading, praying and focusing together will embolden and strengthen us as we advance the cause of the kingdom, to make disciples of all nations!  Let’s contend for a breakthrough year in 2012, both in our personal lives and families, and in our ministry assignments! 

Shalom!

By: Glenn Burris, president of The Foursquare Church

Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.

 

]]> Rising to 10,341 feet above sea level, Monserrate is a mountain that dominates the city center of Bogota, the capital city of Colombia. On this mountain, there is a 17th-century church built with a marble altar that was deeply carved with the symbols from the vision of Ezekiel 1, concerning the four faces of the cherubim—those of a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle.   When I visited this impressive cathedral, I was immediately reminded of the foundational message that was preached in Oakland, Calif., by our founder, Aimee Semple McPherson, in 1922. In it, she described Ezekiel’s vision and confidently declared that his vision had prophesied the four compelling pillars of the coming ministry of Jesus Christ: that of Savior, Healer, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, and Soon-Coming King. Savior: In the face of the man, Sister McPherson saw that Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world so that we could be restored in our relationship with God. Baptizer with the Holy Spirit: In the face of the lion, she saw this mighty king of the beasts, the “lion of the tribe of Judah,” as one who would constantly cause the flow of the Spirit to infill us with His power. Healer: Sister McPherson saw in the face of the ox the burden bearer, the one who bears not only our sins and iniquities, but also our pains and sicknesses. Soon-Coming King: She saw in the face of the eagle a sweeping downward without warning to retrieve His bride, as one exercising complete dominion over the earth. These identity markers—framed by our movement’s present symbols of the cross, the dove, the cup and the crown—still connect a global movement that has exploded from one church in 1923 to nearly 70,000 today. Jesus declared in Matthew 16 that He would build a church that hell could not hold back. He would build that great church on the revelation of who He is. In 2012, we invite you to take a journey with us through the gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Read a chapter a day from these eyewitness accounts, and you will cover the gospels each quarter. As you do, watch God rekindle in you the greatest story ever told.   Each week, we will use our Foursquare Leader Prayer email to focus on the fourfold message of Jesus. That combination of reading, praying and focusing together will embolden and strengthen us as we advance the cause of the kingdom, to make disciples of all nations!  Let’s contend for a breakthrough year in 2012, both in our personal lives and families, and in our ministry assignments!  Shalom! By: Glenn Burris, president of The Foursquare Church Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.   gospels 2012, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-12-30T14:00:00+00:00 Writing Acts 29 http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/writing_acts_29 http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/writing_acts_29#When:14:00:00Z The book of Acts has always read like a great adventure story to me. There’s the explosive beginning, rich character development, surprising plot twists and epic journeys. And just when it seems the narrative should reach its crest, it continues to swell.

This book unfolds an infant faith that starts so small, all its Jewish adherents can fit into an upper room. But that eventually explodes into a phenomenon that encompasses countless multiethnic people spread all over the known world.

It’s an addicting account. What makes it even better is that it’s true—and that God is telling it. All of these miracles, all of this vibrant faith, all of those transformed lives—it’s fantastic. When I finish chapter 28, I want to turn the page and find out what comes next.

So I turn the page, but the story is already over. If I were reading this for the first time, I would wonder if there was a misprint in my Bible; I’d think something must have been left out!

And even though I’m fully aware it will end, I still seem to be taken off guard. This brilliant story stops abruptly without a final climax or resolution. Paul is just hanging out in Rome under house arrest. End of story!

Or is it?

Many of us in the Foursquare family have been reading the whole book of Acts together every month this year, one chapter a day. As I write this, it’s the 29th of the month, and already there is a gap in my daily pattern.

I want to read Acts 29. I want to find out what happens to Paul next. More than that, I want to see the continuation of the Spirit-filled proclamation of the gospel to even more of the world.

And then I remember what I learned way back in high school drama class. There are some plays and stories that suddenly end before we are ready for them to be done. It’s a device that is used when the writer wants the audience or reader to feel the moral weight of what might come next.

The questions hang in the air: What would you do if you were these characters? How might God use you to spread this life-changing message?

Well, we are those characters. When a young church-planting network chose Acts 29 as their name, they got it exactly right. There is an Acts 29, and it is discovered among us.

We write Acts 29 when our lives are fueled by the high-octane life of the Spirit, and when we allow that reality to impact the world around us. We live Acts 29 when we single-mindedly function as citizens of another kingdom.

Ultimately, I believe the book of Acts is not as much a prescriptive model for church life as it is a descriptive account of what spontaneously happens to people and congregations when they are fully immersed in the Spirit.

People want to know the rest of the story. Let’s live it and write it together.

By: Tim Clark, district supervisor of the Greater Los Angeles District. This article was adapted from his blog, www.pastortimclark.com. Used with permission.

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> The book of Acts has always read like a great adventure story to me. There’s the explosive beginning, rich character development, surprising plot twists and epic journeys. And just when it seems the narrative should reach its crest, it continues to swell. This book unfolds an infant faith that starts so small, all its Jewish adherents can fit into an upper room. But that eventually explodes into a phenomenon that encompasses countless multiethnic people spread all over the known world. It’s an addicting account. What makes it even better is that it’s true—and that God is telling it. All of these miracles, all of this vibrant faith, all of those transformed lives—it’s fantastic. When I finish chapter 28, I want to turn the page and find out what comes next. So I turn the page, but the story is already over. If I were reading this for the first time, I would wonder if there was a misprint in my Bible; I’d think something must have been left out! And even though I’m fully aware it will end, I still seem to be taken off guard. This brilliant story stops abruptly without a final climax or resolution. Paul is just hanging out in Rome under house arrest. End of story! Or is it? Many of us in the Foursquare family have been reading the whole book of Acts together every month this year, one chapter a day. As I write this, it’s the 29th of the month, and already there is a gap in my daily pattern. I want to read Acts 29. I want to find out what happens to Paul next. More than that, I want to see the continuation of the Spirit-filled proclamation of the gospel to even more of the world. And then I remember what I learned way back in high school drama class. There are some plays and stories that suddenly end before we are ready for them to be done. It’s a device that is used when the writer wants the audience or reader to feel the moral weight of what might come next. The questions hang in the air: What would you do if you were these characters? How might God use you to spread this life-changing message? Well, we are those characters. When a young church-planting network chose Acts 29 as their name, they got it exactly right. There is an Acts 29, and it is discovered among us. We write Acts 29 when our lives are fueled by the high-octane life of the Spirit, and when we allow that reality to impact the world around us. We live Acts 29 when we single-mindedly function as citizens of another kingdom. Ultimately, I believe the book of Acts is not as much a prescriptive model for church life as it is a descriptive account of what spontaneously happens to people and congregations when they are fully immersed in the Spirit. People want to know the rest of the story. Let’s live it and write it together. By: Tim Clark, district supervisor of the Greater Los Angeles District. This article was adapted from his blog, www.pastortimclark.com. Used with permission. Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world. acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-12-23T14:00:00+00:00 Acts 28: Empowerment That Reaches Out http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/empowerment_that_reaches_out http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/empowerment_that_reaches_out#When:14:00:00Z I am awed by the scope of the tremendous journey chronicled in the book of Acts. From the promise of the Holy Spirit in chapter 1 through the birth of the church and the mighty “acts” of the apostles as they moved in the power of the Holy Spirit, we see the full breadth of God’s calling for His people.

In this final chapter, we see Paul arriving in Rome more than three months after being shipwrecked on the island of Malta. He called together the local Jewish leaders and arranged a time to speak to the people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, “Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe” (Acts 28:24, NLT).

Paul could have become discouraged by the hardness of hearts he encountered while on Malta. He could have lived out the rest of his days complacently, because he had already done enough, having endured persecution, prison, beatings and shipwreck for the sake of the gospel.

Instead, Paul continued to boldly share the gospel, even while under house arrest.

What can we learn from the book of Acts? We each have our own personal journey to walk in this life. God has empowered us by His Holy Spirit, not just for our own personal edification, but also so that we can fulfill the Great Commission. We are equipped by the Spirit to be people who demonstrate the love of God and His power to a dying world.

Acts 28 concludes by saying of Paul: “He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him” (vv. 30-31).

People or circumstances may try to stop us, but let’s be His people who go forth boldly proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus Christ. As we move into 2012, let’s be the church God has called us to be. Let’s “Reclaim Our Voice!”

By: Ron Thigpenn, Foursquare vice president and chief financial officer

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> I am awed by the scope of the tremendous journey chronicled in the book of Acts. From the promise of the Holy Spirit in chapter 1 through the birth of the church and the mighty “acts” of the apostles as they moved in the power of the Holy Spirit, we see the full breadth of God’s calling for His people. In this final chapter, we see Paul arriving in Rome more than three months after being shipwrecked on the island of Malta. He called together the local Jewish leaders and arranged a time to speak to the people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, “Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe” (Acts 28:24, NLT). Paul could have become discouraged by the hardness of hearts he encountered while on Malta. He could have lived out the rest of his days complacently, because he had already done enough, having endured persecution, prison, beatings and shipwreck for the sake of the gospel. Instead, Paul continued to boldly share the gospel, even while under house arrest. What can we learn from the book of Acts? We each have our own personal journey to walk in this life. God has empowered us by His Holy Spirit, not just for our own personal edification, but also so that we can fulfill the Great Commission. We are equipped by the Spirit to be people who demonstrate the love of God and His power to a dying world. Acts 28 concludes by saying of Paul: “He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him” (vv. 30-31). People or circumstances may try to stop us, but let’s be His people who go forth boldly proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus Christ. As we move into 2012, let’s be the church God has called us to be. Let’s “Reclaim Our Voice!” By: Ron Thigpenn, Foursquare vice president and chief financial officer Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world. acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-12-16T14:00:00+00:00 Acts 27: Believing During the Storm http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/believing_during_the_storm http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/believing_during_the_storm#When:13:00:00Z Amidst the sailing adventures of Acts 27, we catch a glimpse of the promises of God invading desperate circumstances. 

Paul was a prisoner aboard a ship being pummeled by rough seas, encountering a tremendous loss of provision, and facing the ultimate threat of being shipwrecked. The captain's disregard for sound warnings led Paul and all of the passengers into grave danger. 

It was in the midst of this scene that God chose to speak. His message of hope intersected desperation with a promise echoing louder than the perilous storm raging about them. God spoke a promise of safety and protection that required a response of faith; faith expressed through actions.  

As the storm continued to rage fiercely about them, Paul proclaimed God's message of deliverance as he stood steady, believing his “Promiser.” Paul's faith, fueled by his identity rooted in God, was proved authentic through the storm.

Though their fears were valid, Paul's fellow shipmates were confronted with the choice to join him in faith or abandon ship, hoping for survival another way. While waves crashed and winds whipped through the deck of the battered and beaten ship, Paul issued his call to faith once again, and his shipmates responded in belief in Paul's God.

In an extreme act of faith, the soldiers cut the ropes that secured their lifeboats, severing all ties to a Plan B. 

Reflecting on these passages stirs my heart to remember that we serve a God who powerfully shows up in the middle of the most desperate circumstances we face. Not only is God present, but also He is a God whose whispered promises can penetrate the most burdened and frightened heart with truth; and His truth always brings a rescue. 

Like the men aboard the ship that day, God offers us a choice. When His whispers echo into the storms of our circumstances, will we respond in faith and trust, or abandon ship, hoping for a Plan B? 

Faith means taking God at His Word and severing all ties to Plan B. This is the kind of faith that moves the heart of God in rescue and, in the end, pleases Him. 

By: Jenna Javins served with Foursquare Missions International as youth pastor at Mochudi Foursquare Church in Botswana. She currently is a youth minister and missions/outreach mentor at Westside Church in Bend, Ore. 

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> Amidst the sailing adventures of Acts 27, we catch a glimpse of the promises of God invading desperate circumstances.  Paul was a prisoner aboard a ship being pummeled by rough seas, encountering a tremendous loss of provision, and facing the ultimate threat of being shipwrecked. The captain's disregard for sound warnings led Paul and all of the passengers into grave danger.  It was in the midst of this scene that God chose to speak. His message of hope intersected desperation with a promise echoing louder than the perilous storm raging about them. God spoke a promise of safety and protection that required a response of faith; faith expressed through actions.   As the storm continued to rage fiercely about them, Paul proclaimed God's message of deliverance as he stood steady, believing his “Promiser.” Paul's faith, fueled by his identity rooted in God, was proved authentic through the storm. Though their fears were valid, Paul's fellow shipmates were confronted with the choice to join him in faith or abandon ship, hoping for survival another way. While waves crashed and winds whipped through the deck of the battered and beaten ship, Paul issued his call to faith once again, and his shipmates responded in belief in Paul's God. In an extreme act of faith, the soldiers cut the ropes that secured their lifeboats, severing all ties to a Plan B.  Reflecting on these passages stirs my heart to remember that we serve a God who powerfully shows up in the middle of the most desperate circumstances we face. Not only is God present, but also He is a God whose whispered promises can penetrate the most burdened and frightened heart with truth; and His truth always brings a rescue.  Like the men aboard the ship that day, God offers us a choice. When His whispers echo into the storms of our circumstances, will we respond in faith and trust, or abandon ship, hoping for a Plan B?  Faith means taking God at His Word and severing all ties to Plan B. This is the kind of faith that moves the heart of God in rescue and, in the end, pleases Him.  By: Jenna Javins served with Foursquare Missions International as youth pastor at Mochudi Foursquare Church in Botswana. She currently is a youth minister and missions/outreach mentor at Westside Church in Bend, Ore.  Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world. acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-12-09T13:00:00+00:00 Acts 24-26: Being a Person Who Makes the Difference http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/being_a_person_who_makes_the_difference http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/being_a_person_who_makes_the_difference#When:14:00:00Z Acts 24-26 includes quite a list of influential leaders from the day. And, they all were involved in deciding the fate of the apostle Paul. 

There is Ananias, the high priest; Tertullus, the lawyer; Felix, the governor; his replacement, Festus; and finally, King Agrippa. You could recite their pedigrees of experience and education, but not one of them seemed to be able to step back, ask the right questions and get a sense of the bigger picture as it related to what was happening in their midst. 

The decisions these leaders made seemed to be based more on appeasing the crowd or technically following the law, not on discerning the right decision.

Have we become too busy to step back and ask the important questions? Do we think we already know the answers? Do we have an opinion about the issue that keeps us from being swayed differently? Are we afraid to speak up? Has it become too easy to go with the flow?

Recently, I realized I missed the chance to make a difference. Afterward, I had a long plane ride to think about my decision! 

Waiting in line outside the baggage drop at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, I was frustrated while watching a scene unfold for nearly 25 minutes. A single man and a couple appeared to be traveling together, and they were trying to get their bags checked for an international flight. 

Apparently there was a language barrier, but in the end the conflict seemed to be about money, baggage fees and airline policies. They needed to pay extra money for their bags but only had cash. The airline employee would only accept a credit card for payment.

These folks had passports, boarding passes and cash, but no credit cards. It was rainy, cold and frustrating. 

There was a moment—and I remember it vividly—when I could have stepped in, used my credit card, paid for their bags and helped them on their way. It also would have freed up the growing line of frustrated flyers, and prevented the three from having to reload their bags and navigate their way through the crowded terminal. 

I'm pretty sure they weren't frequent fliers, so this turn of events was going to extend their busy morning.  

My failure was not that I was truly obligated, but rather that I wasn't responsive to the Holy Spirit. I don't think I'm supposed to pay every time I see someone struggling like these folks were, but I distinctly remember the moment where I was being prodded to step in … and I didn't. 

I found out that you have a lot of time to think about “what if?” while on a six-hour, cross-country flight.

I'm only trying to communicate that everyday situations come across our paths that are God-arranged. I took a few simple lessons away from what I experienced that day:

  • When you are responsive to the Lord, others are helped, and you are left with a sense of fulfillment.
  • When life has become so matter-of-fact that you miss Him, repent; start listening and looking again.
  • When you get cynical or calloused toward a situation or others, remember that you have been a recipient of His help on more than one occasion, even when you didn't deserve it.
  • Your intervention just may spark a rise of hope and faith in the recipient.

Finally, an impressive resumé of education and experience may have mattered to those leaders in that list in Acts 24-26. But in the end, what matters most is whether you are listening and learning before you lead. 

Some situations are looking for just one person to make the difference. Be that person.

By: Glenn Burris Jr., president of The Foursquare Church

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> Acts 24-26 includes quite a list of influential leaders from the day. And, they all were involved in deciding the fate of the apostle Paul.  There is Ananias, the high priest; Tertullus, the lawyer; Felix, the governor; his replacement, Festus; and finally, King Agrippa. You could recite their pedigrees of experience and education, but not one of them seemed to be able to step back, ask the right questions and get a sense of the bigger picture as it related to what was happening in their midst.  The decisions these leaders made seemed to be based more on appeasing the crowd or technically following the law, not on discerning the right decision. Have we become too busy to step back and ask the important questions? Do we think we already know the answers? Do we have an opinion about the issue that keeps us from being swayed differently? Are we afraid to speak up? Has it become too easy to go with the flow? Recently, I realized I missed the chance to make a difference. Afterward, I had a long plane ride to think about my decision!  Waiting in line outside the baggage drop at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, I was frustrated while watching a scene unfold for nearly 25 minutes. A single man and a couple appeared to be traveling together, and they were trying to get their bags checked for an international flight.  Apparently there was a language barrier, but in the end the conflict seemed to be about money, baggage fees and airline policies. They needed to pay extra money for their bags but only had cash. The airline employee would only accept a credit card for payment. These folks had passports, boarding passes and cash, but no credit cards. It was rainy, cold and frustrating.  There was a moment—and I remember it vividly—when I could have stepped in, used my credit card, paid for their bags and helped them on their way. It also would have freed up the growing line of frustrated flyers, and prevented the three from having to reload their bags and navigate their way through the crowded terminal.  I'm pretty sure they weren't frequent fliers, so this turn of events was going to extend their busy morning.   My failure was not that I was truly obligated, but rather that I wasn't responsive to the Holy Spirit. I don't think I'm supposed to pay every time I see someone struggling like these folks were, but I distinctly remember the moment where I was being prodded to step in … and I didn't.  I found out that you have a lot of time to think about “what if?” while on a six-hour, cross-country flight. I'm only trying to communicate that everyday situations come across our paths that are God-arranged. I took a few simple lessons away from what I experienced that day: When you are responsive to the Lord, others are helped, and you are left with a sense of fulfillment. When life has become so matter-of-fact that you miss Him, repent; start listening and looking again. When you get cynical or calloused toward a situation or others, remember that you have been a recipient of His help on more than one occasion, even when you didn't deserve it. Your intervention just may spark a rise of hope and faith in the recipient. Finally, an impressive resumé of education and experience may have mattered to those leaders in that list in Acts 24-26. But in the end, what matters most is whether you are listening and learning before you lead.  Some situations are looking for just one person to make the difference. Be that person. By: Glenn Burris Jr., president of The Foursquare Church Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world. acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-12-02T14:00:00+00:00 Driving With a Divine Appointment http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/driving_with_a_divine_appointment http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/driving_with_a_divine_appointment#When:15:00:00Z I’m a bi-vocational pastor and drive a tractor-trailer in New England for a living. Some time ago, I was traveling from New Hampshire into Maine. During this trip, another truck driver passed me, and I noticed a fish emblem on the back of his trailer.

The Lord moved on my heart, and I knew He wanted me to talk with that driver. I tried to connect with him on the two-way radio, but he didn’t reply; it must have been off. One try and I wanted to give up.

All sorts of questions were running through my head: What if he’s getting off at the next exit? Why is it so important for me to talk with him? All I had to go on was the continued tugging on my heart, and I knew it meant there was something more for me to do and that it would go beyond just talking with him.

Praying and asking God, “Why?” it became clear God wanted me to share communion with a guy I didn’t know, in another truck traveling 65 mph, after I had chased him more than 50 miles. This was not how I had planned my day!

His truck was stronger and faster than mine, so I couldn’t get alongside him to get his attention. Many times I tried to give up, but the Spirit was intent on me following through with it. Frustrated, I finally declared out loud, “If You want this to happen, then You need to slow him down!” (I should’ve been asking for that 30 miles ago!)

He slowed down because of a car in front of him. I got alongside, he turned on his two-way radio, and we started talking. I asked about the fish emblem and whether or not it was him who had put it there; it was. I told him I believed God wanted for us to share communion together; I had bread and a drink in my truck. We stopped at a rest area in Kennebunk, Maine.

I noticed in our conversation that he would not look me in the face. After sharing communion, I closed our time together by simply praying and thanking God for bringing us together. Then the Holy Spirit moved on him, and he began to pray out loud, giving thanks that became more joyful with each word coming from his lips. As he was doing this, I began to silently ask God that he would be able to look me in the eyes.

Not long after I had silently asked this, he opened his eyes and met my gaze. He continued thanking God that he could look me in the eyes. We talked a little about it, and I learned that for his whole life he had not looked people in the face.

I reminded him about our being a new creation In Christ, and continued our prayer by calling for God to seal this breakthrough so the devil would not be able to take it away. I prayed for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit, explaining it is the Spirit who empowers us to stand in faith.

After this, I had to get back on the road. But as I was leaving, he stated he would call his pastor (whom he had been avoiding) to share this divine appointment we had experienced. He also said he would be going back to his church.

As we each pursue maturity in Christ, study His Word and learn to listen to His Spirit, we need to let God in and let Him take charge as Lord. This means letting go of our own schedules, and making room for the simple spiritual disciplines of the Word and prayer.

Do we really mean what we say when we pray, “Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:10, NKJV)? If so, then He must be the central focus of each of our days before we can say He is the Lord of our lives.

The more we get into the Word and allow the Word to get into us, the more we will hear the Holy Spirit. We will have more for Him to bring to our remembrance (see John 14:26), and more understanding to live and act in obedience to His Spirit—which is the mark of true spiritual maturity.

By: J. Alan McCay, assisting minister at The Harvest Community (Southern New Hampshire Foursquare Church) in Raymond, N.H.

]]> I’m a bi-vocational pastor and drive a tractor-trailer in New England for a living. Some time ago, I was traveling from New Hampshire into Maine. During this trip, another truck driver passed me, and I noticed a fish emblem on the back of his trailer. The Lord moved on my heart, and I knew He wanted me to talk with that driver. I tried to connect with him on the two-way radio, but he didn’t reply; it must have been off. One try and I wanted to give up. All sorts of questions were running through my head: What if he’s getting off at the next exit? Why is it so important for me to talk with him? All I had to go on was the continued tugging on my heart, and I knew it meant there was something more for me to do and that it would go beyond just talking with him. Praying and asking God, “Why?” it became clear God wanted me to share communion with a guy I didn’t know, in another truck traveling 65 mph, after I had chased him more than 50 miles. This was not how I had planned my day! His truck was stronger and faster than mine, so I couldn’t get alongside him to get his attention. Many times I tried to give up, but the Spirit was intent on me following through with it. Frustrated, I finally declared out loud, “If You want this to happen, then You need to slow him down!” (I should’ve been asking for that 30 miles ago!) He slowed down because of a car in front of him. I got alongside, he turned on his two-way radio, and we started talking. I asked about the fish emblem and whether or not it was him who had put it there; it was. I told him I believed God wanted for us to share communion together; I had bread and a drink in my truck. We stopped at a rest area in Kennebunk, Maine. I noticed in our conversation that he would not look me in the face. After sharing communion, I closed our time together by simply praying and thanking God for bringing us together. Then the Holy Spirit moved on him, and he began to pray out loud, giving thanks that became more joyful with each word coming from his lips. As he was doing this, I began to silently ask God that he would be able to look me in the eyes. Not long after I had silently asked this, he opened his eyes and met my gaze. He continued thanking God that he could look me in the eyes. We talked a little about it, and I learned that for his whole life he had not looked people in the face. I reminded him about our being a new creation In Christ, and continued our prayer by calling for God to seal this breakthrough so the devil would not be able to take it away. I prayed for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit, explaining it is the Spirit who empowers us to stand in faith. After this, I had to get back on the road. But as I was leaving, he stated he would call his pastor (whom he had been avoiding) to share this divine appointment we had experienced. He also said he would be going back to his church. As we each pursue maturity in Christ, study His Word and learn to listen to His Spirit, we need to let God in and let Him take charge as Lord. This means letting go of our own schedules, and making room for the simple spiritual disciplines of the Word and prayer. Do we really mean what we say when we pray, “Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:10, NKJV)? If so, then He must be the central focus of each of our days before we can say He is the Lord of our lives. The more we get into the Word and allow the Word to get into us, the more we will hear the Holy Spirit. We will have more for Him to bring to our remembrance (see John 14:26), and more understanding to live and act in obedience to His Spirit—which is the mark of true spiritual maturity. By: J. Alan McCay, assisting minister at The Harvest Community (Southern New Hampshire Foursquare Church) in Raymond, N.H. evangelism, faith, holy spirit, missional, non-traditional ministry, outreach, stage 1-initiate, Northeast, Devotionals, 2011-11-29T15:00:00+00:00 Acts 24: The Act of My Reactions http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/the_act_of_my_reactions http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/the_act_of_my_reactions#When:14:00:00Z Reading through the book of Acts these last two years, I have been amazed and challenged to learn from what I’ve read and to live it each day.

In the beginning, as I read one chapter each day, I was most excited about setting up my heart and ministry for miracles of multiplication. I have since learned that Acts is also about how we live daily in a culture that is not church-friendly. It’s about how we act in a way that shows the power of Christ’s love.

In Acts 24, Paul’s life-journey gives us an example of responding to those who reject Jesus and “ 'spitefully use you' ” (Matt. 5:44, NKJV). Paul was falsely accused by religious leaders, and then protected from an ambush and taken by a security army to Caesarea to appear before Governor Felix. Through it all, we see Paul’s response guided by the power of the Holy Spirit and the evidence of his deep relationship with Jesus.

In the middle of much pressure, Paul did not lose his joy. He answered the governor by saying, “ 'I do the more cheerfully answer for myself' ” (Acts 24:10).  

When I read this, I asked myself how I would react under such pressure.

Whatever you and I face today, joy is the deep abiding work of the Holy Spirit in us, and my prayer is that I don’t lose our joy during seasons of stress.

Paul did not forget his message, even under extreme circumstances. Paul spoke his message clearly: “ 'I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men' ” (vv. 15-16).

In our world today, the enemy has worked hard to diminish our voice and confuse our message. In response, may we raise our voices with a clear message that Jesus is our only hope for resurrection to eternal life.

We also learn a lesson from Paul that he did not lose sight of his purpose. In the middle of persecution, slander, injustice and imprisonment, the purposes of God were fulfilled in Paul’s life and ministry as he shared the gospel with Felix and his wife.

Oh, by the way, Paul also had to be patient as he was held for more than two years. At the end of the day, Felix—the very person Paul had preached Christ to—left office and left Paul bound in chains.

May the Lord be glorified in our lives today as we serve with joy and preach the message of His love and forgiveness, all while being patient, not losing sight of His purpose in and through us every day. 

By: Dan Mundt, district supervisor, Heartland District

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> Reading through the book of Acts these last two years, I have been amazed and challenged to learn from what I’ve read and to live it each day. In the beginning, as I read one chapter each day, I was most excited about setting up my heart and ministry for miracles of multiplication. I have since learned that Acts is also about how we live daily in a culture that is not church-friendly. It’s about how we act in a way that shows the power of Christ’s love. In Acts 24, Paul’s life-journey gives us an example of responding to those who reject Jesus and “ 'spitefully use you' ” (Matt. 5:44, NKJV). Paul was falsely accused by religious leaders, and then protected from an ambush and taken by a security army to Caesarea to appear before Governor Felix. Through it all, we see Paul’s response guided by the power of the Holy Spirit and the evidence of his deep relationship with Jesus. In the middle of much pressure, Paul did not lose his joy. He answered the governor by saying, “ 'I do the more cheerfully answer for myself' ” (Acts 24:10).   When I read this, I asked myself how I would react under such pressure. Whatever you and I face today, joy is the deep abiding work of the Holy Spirit in us, and my prayer is that I don’t lose our joy during seasons of stress. Paul did not forget his message, even under extreme circumstances. Paul spoke his message clearly: “ 'I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men' ” (vv. 15-16). In our world today, the enemy has worked hard to diminish our voice and confuse our message. In response, may we raise our voices with a clear message that Jesus is our only hope for resurrection to eternal life. We also learn a lesson from Paul that he did not lose sight of his purpose. In the middle of persecution, slander, injustice and imprisonment, the purposes of God were fulfilled in Paul’s life and ministry as he shared the gospel with Felix and his wife. Oh, by the way, Paul also had to be patient as he was held for more than two years. At the end of the day, Felix—the very person Paul had preached Christ to—left office and left Paul bound in chains. May the Lord be glorified in our lives today as we serve with joy and preach the message of His love and forgiveness, all while being patient, not losing sight of His purpose in and through us every day.  By: Dan Mundt, district supervisor, Heartland District Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world. acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-11-25T14:00:00+00:00 Acts 22-23: We Are Not Alone http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/we_are_not_alone http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/we_are_not_alone#When:14:00:00Z “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

" ‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.

"And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting’ ” (Acts 22:6-8, NLT).

As far as we know from the Scriptures, the apostle Paul (as the Pharisee Saul) never met Jesus during His ministry in Israel. And while this is something of an argument from silence, there were many times in the Acts narrative and in Paul's teachings, debates and the defense of his apostolic ministry when the sharing of this significant experience in his journey would have added weight or a counterpoint to what he was writing or saying.

If it is true that Saul (soon to become Paul) had never met Jesus in life and, as a result, would not have been one of the leaders who sought to destroy Him, nor one who sat in judgment over Him, what could Jesus have meant when He confronted him with these words, "I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting."

Saul, in his persecutions, terror and murder, had no idea that there was another who was also experiencing the horror of his evil work, Jesus the Nazarene.

In this moment, Saul's discovery confirms for all time that Jesus is keeping His promises to His people, the sheep of His pasture: " 'For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them' " (Matt. 18:20, NKJV); " 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' " (Heb. 13:5); and "' I am with you always, even to the end of the age' " (Matt. 28:20).

Indeed, our Jesus is Immanuel, God with us (see Matt. 1:23)!

Jesus was with the first believers as they were persecuted and harmed, and He so closely identified with them that He said to Saul: “Why are you persecuting me? ... I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.” To attack one of Jesus’ disciples is to attack Jesus Himself!

I shudder to think of the times as a believer that I have attacked my fellow believers using my words of suspicion, misrepresentation, gossip and anger. I’m grateful for the forgiveness I have received from those I have hurt, including Jesus, who felt the sting as well.

I’m also strengthened and encouraged. I think of all those times I knew I could get through a painful season if only Jesus were with me, and He was! Each time I would cry out to Jesus, hoping that He knew my heartache, fear and loss, and He did.

Amazingly, incredibly, Jesus is with us, suffering with us. Then, as the King of His kingdom, He helps us as One closer than a brother with all we need. With great power He heals, delivers and restores us for His glory!

By: Jim Scott, Foursquare vice president of global operations, director of Foursquare Missions International

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ " ‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. "And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting’ ” (Acts 22:6-8, NLT). As far as we know from the Scriptures, the apostle Paul (as the Pharisee Saul) never met Jesus during His ministry in Israel. And while this is something of an argument from silence, there were many times in the Acts narrative and in Paul's teachings, debates and the defense of his apostolic ministry when the sharing of this significant experience in his journey would have added weight or a counterpoint to what he was writing or saying. If it is true that Saul (soon to become Paul) had never met Jesus in life and, as a result, would not have been one of the leaders who sought to destroy Him, nor one who sat in judgment over Him, what could Jesus have meant when He confronted him with these words, "I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting." Saul, in his persecutions, terror and murder, had no idea that there was another who was also experiencing the horror of his evil work, Jesus the Nazarene. In this moment, Saul's discovery confirms for all time that Jesus is keeping His promises to His people, the sheep of His pasture: " 'For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them' " (Matt. 18:20, NKJV); " 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' " (Heb. 13:5); and "' I am with you always, even to the end of the age' " (Matt. 28:20). Indeed, our Jesus is Immanuel, God with us (see Matt. 1:23)! Jesus was with the first believers as they were persecuted and harmed, and He so closely identified with them that He said to Saul: “Why are you persecuting me? ... I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.” To attack one of Jesus’ disciples is to attack Jesus Himself! I shudder to think of the times as a believer that I have attacked my fellow believers using my words of suspicion, misrepresentation, gossip and anger. I’m grateful for the forgiveness I have received from those I have hurt, including Jesus, who felt the sting as well. I’m also strengthened and encouraged. I think of all those times I knew I could get through a painful season if only Jesus were with me, and He was! Each time I would cry out to Jesus, hoping that He knew my heartache, fear and loss, and He did. Amazingly, incredibly, Jesus is with us, suffering with us. Then, as the King of His kingdom, He helps us as One closer than a brother with all we need. With great power He heals, delivers and restores us for His glory! By: Jim Scott, Foursquare vice president of global operations, director of Foursquare Missions International Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world. acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-11-18T14:00:00+00:00 Acts 20-21: Nourishing Our Spiritual Appetites http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/nourishing_our_spiritual_appetites http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/nourishing_our_spiritual_appetites#When:14:00:00Z “ 'For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God' ” (Acts 20:27, NKJV).

In his farewell speech to the elders of the church of Ephesus, the apostle Paul thought it necessary to communicate the fact that he had fulfilled his duty among them. He had not held anything back, but instead declared to the people of Ephesus the entire counsel of God. He exhorted the elders with his own example of preaching a complete and balanced doctrine that eradicated any doubt or lack of knowledge.

As ministers of the gospel today, it is our responsibility to do the same. We must spiritually feed the flock, ensuring that not only are they fed, but also that they are nourished. Just as in the physical realm there are foods that quench the pangs of hunger but offer very little nourishment, some try to sustain their spiritual lives on “food” that may quiet the hunger pangs but does not spiritually nourish.

I believe the call of the Lord for us today is this: to declare the entire counsel of God. We are called to do more than preach superficial messages that temporarily quench hunger. Instead, we should declare the entire counsel of God that not only satisfies, but also nourishes. 

In Luke 4, Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 8: “ 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God' ” (v. 4). Physical food brings temporary rectification, but spiritual nourishment from the Word of God brings true nourishment and satisfaction.

I want to encourage all of us as ministers to not cower from declaring the entire counsel of God, even when it is unpopular to do so. May we, like Paul, recognize our extreme responsibility as shepherds and ensure that our words are His words that nourish and satisfy, producing eternal evidence and life more abundant.

By: Marcus Ellington, Southwest District NextGen director and senior pastor of Living Hope Christian Fellowship (Dana Point South Foursquare Church) in San Clemente, Calif.

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> “ 'For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God' ” (Acts 20:27, NKJV). In his farewell speech to the elders of the church of Ephesus, the apostle Paul thought it necessary to communicate the fact that he had fulfilled his duty among them. He had not held anything back, but instead declared to the people of Ephesus the entire counsel of God. He exhorted the elders with his own example of preaching a complete and balanced doctrine that eradicated any doubt or lack of knowledge. As ministers of the gospel today, it is our responsibility to do the same. We must spiritually feed the flock, ensuring that not only are they fed, but also that they are nourished. Just as in the physical realm there are foods that quench the pangs of hunger but offer very little nourishment, some try to sustain their spiritual lives on “food” that may quiet the hunger pangs but does not spiritually nourish. I believe the call of the Lord for us today is this: to declare the entire counsel of God. We are called to do more than preach superficial messages that temporarily quench hunger. Instead, we should declare the entire counsel of God that not only satisfies, but also nourishes.  In Luke 4, Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 8: “ 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God' ” (v. 4). Physical food brings temporary rectification, but spiritual nourishment from the Word of God brings true nourishment and satisfaction. I want to encourage all of us as ministers to not cower from declaring the entire counsel of God, even when it is unpopular to do so. May we, like Paul, recognize our extreme responsibility as shepherds and ensure that our words are His words that nourish and satisfy, producing eternal evidence and life more abundant. By: Marcus Ellington, Southwest District NextGen director and senior pastor of Living Hope Christian Fellowship (Dana Point South Foursquare Church) in San Clemente, Calif. Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world. acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-11-11T14:00:00+00:00 What I Learned From Women in Papua New Guinea http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/what_i_learned_from_women_in_papua_new_guinea http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/what_i_learned_from_women_in_papua_new_guinea#When:15:00:00Z Closing the distance between people groups is God’s mission and ours. My recent trip to Papua New Guinea (PNG) placed me, physically and spiritually, in the midst of a group of women who understand the incarnational power of Christ. They believe Jesus is enough, worship Him without reserve, and sacrifice the most basic of needs to be with one another.

I was invited to join the women’s conference celebrating the 36th anniversary of United Foursquare Women in PNG. Foursquare to the core, 10,000 women gathered in Goroka, a city in the Eastern Highlands Province, anxious to fellowship, hear His Word, pray and worship.

This tropical land is beautiful. The poverty and lack of infrastructure, however, are heartbreaking. Garbage is piled into the streets and burned. The sewer system is insufficient, and the roads are atrocious. School is only for those who can pay. AIDS, malaria and typhoid are a constant threat to the health of huge portions of the population. Unemployment is at 80 percent in some areas, according to World Vision.

Natural resources would make this one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, but the wealth remains in the hands of a few and brings little benefit to the average citizen. The high level of violence is the result of ongoing tribal disputes and lack of gainful employment. The poverty is so great that it seems insurmountable. But then—as the women often repeated in praise—we serve a “Bik Pella,” Pidgin English for “Great God.”

It is the work of our “Bik Pella” among these women that amazed me. The first full day of the conference began with a five-mile march through the city to share their faith. The crowd was divided by region and designated by the colors of the Foursquare flag. Quite impressive! These women are a force to be reckoned with!

We met Popsy, an endearing and wise elder who once served as the national United Foursquare Women president. Alarmed by statistical data—for example, that as many as 90 percent of women in some remote highland communities experience physical and/or sexual abuse, as do 80 percent of children, according to UNICEF—she could not sit by and do nothing.

With the help of a friend, Popsy began a ministry to counsel abused women and connect them to helpful resources. And when a young prostitute gave birth to a baby girl and could not keep her, Popsy and her husband adopted the child. She proudly stated, “I’m raising her to be a pastor!”

We were also introduced to Sarah, a woman from Bougainville. She and her husband oversee the churches on this remote island off the coast of PNG. The political struggle and tension have created hard times for their villages, but still the churches continue to flourish.

Sarah worked every day for a year to earn the money to come to the conference. The women from her island stirred our hearts as they joined the group in singing, “Come islands, come to Jesus!” He is the reason they came and, no doubt, Sarah will invest the ministry she received in her fellow pastors and leaders upon her return home.

The tangible, Spirit-led, life-changing moments we shared were many. My transformational moments came as I “buried” myself among the thousands (many of them sick) to do exactly what Jesus would have done among the multitude—love.

In the face of overwhelming need among masses, the crowd became “a person,” and women became “sisters,” as I simply stood with and among them. Somehow barriers of race, language, culture and social norms dissolved in the presence of God’s compassionate power. I became one with these women, and they represent the best of what heaven will offer, second only to Jesus Himself.

Our last night in the country was spent in Port Moresby, the capital and largest city of PNG, and the most dangerous city on the island. Our host took us to the top of a hill where the wealthy (mostly white) people reside. The homes look down at the coastline where the poorest of the poor live in houses made of sticks that stand on stilts in the water.

Our team questioned, “How can they see the need and live with themselves?” Then it occurred to me: “How can I live with myself? The same kind of poverty exists in the U.S. I just can’t see it from my house!”

The world’s need brings life into perspective quickly. I never want to forget the wonderful feeling of being among the people instead of looking out over them from a comfortable distance.

By: Sue Spousta, an ordained Foursquare minister who serves with the North Pacific District

]]> Closing the distance between people groups is God’s mission and ours. My recent trip to Papua New Guinea (PNG) placed me, physically and spiritually, in the midst of a group of women who understand the incarnational power of Christ. They believe Jesus is enough, worship Him without reserve, and sacrifice the most basic of needs to be with one another. I was invited to join the women’s conference celebrating the 36th anniversary of United Foursquare Women in PNG. Foursquare to the core, 10,000 women gathered in Goroka, a city in the Eastern Highlands Province, anxious to fellowship, hear His Word, pray and worship. This tropical land is beautiful. The poverty and lack of infrastructure, however, are heartbreaking. Garbage is piled into the streets and burned. The sewer system is insufficient, and the roads are atrocious. School is only for those who can pay. AIDS, malaria and typhoid are a constant threat to the health of huge portions of the population. Unemployment is at 80 percent in some areas, according to World Vision. Natural resources would make this one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, but the wealth remains in the hands of a few and brings little benefit to the average citizen. The high level of violence is the result of ongoing tribal disputes and lack of gainful employment. The poverty is so great that it seems insurmountable. But then—as the women often repeated in praise—we serve a “Bik Pella,” Pidgin English for “Great God.” It is the work of our “Bik Pella” among these women that amazed me. The first full day of the conference began with a five-mile march through the city to share their faith. The crowd was divided by region and designated by the colors of the Foursquare flag. Quite impressive! These women are a force to be reckoned with! We met Popsy, an endearing and wise elder who once served as the national United Foursquare Women president. Alarmed by statistical data—for example, that as many as 90 percent of women in some remote highland communities experience physical and/or sexual abuse, as do 80 percent of children, according to UNICEF—she could not sit by and do nothing. With the help of a friend, Popsy began a ministry to counsel abused women and connect them to helpful resources. And when a young prostitute gave birth to a baby girl and could not keep her, Popsy and her husband adopted the child. She proudly stated, “I’m raising her to be a pastor!” We were also introduced to Sarah, a woman from Bougainville. She and her husband oversee the churches on this remote island off the coast of PNG. The political struggle and tension have created hard times for their villages, but still the churches continue to flourish. Sarah worked every day for a year to earn the money to come to the conference. The women from her island stirred our hearts as they joined the group in singing, “Come islands, come to Jesus!” He is the reason they came and, no doubt, Sarah will invest the ministry she received in her fellow pastors and leaders upon her return home. The tangible, Spirit-led, life-changing moments we shared were many. My transformational moments came as I “buried” myself among the thousands (many of them sick) to do exactly what Jesus would have done among the multitude—love. In the face of overwhelming need among masses, the crowd became “a person,” and women became “sisters,” as I simply stood with and among them. Somehow barriers of race, language, culture and social norms dissolved in the presence of God’s compassionate power. I became one with these women, and they represent the best of what heaven will offer, second only to Jesus Himself. Our last night in the country was spent in Port Moresby, the capital and largest city of PNG, and the most dangerous city on the island. Our host took us to the top of a hill where the wealthy (mostly white) people reside. The homes look down at the coastline where the poorest of the poor live in houses made of sticks that stand on stilts in the water. Our team questioned, “How can they see the need and live with themselves?” Then it occurred to me: “How can I live with myself? The same kind of poverty exists in the U.S. I just can’t see it from my house!” The world’s need brings life into perspective quickly. I never want to forget the wonderful feeling of being among the people instead of looking out over them from a comfortable distance. By: Sue Spousta, an ordained Foursquare minister who serves with the North Pacific District abuse, conference, foursquare missions international, ministry, missions, papua new guinea, women, North Pacific, Devotionals, 2011-11-08T15:00:00+00:00 Acts 19: Transformed Living in Holy Spirit Fullness http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/transformed_living_in_holy_spirit_fullness http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/transformed_living_in_holy_spirit_fullness#When:14:00:00Z “ 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' ” (Acts 19:2, NKJV).

I love the apostle Paul!

There, I said it. I love Paul’s courage, his knowledge, his faithfulness, his passion for Jesus, his commitment to living every day as if his future depended on it. I love his confident faith in knowing that his future was secure in Christ.

I admire how Paul lived the gospel and walked in the Spirit—and most of all, I admire how he saw those two endeavors as a single action, inseparable both in missiology and practicality.

Clearly the apostle Paul believed that receiving the Holy Spirit was critical to living as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I am not sure what Paul saw when he arrived in Ephesus that would have prompted such a penetrating question: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Possibly these disciples were caught in the Old Covenant struggle of sin and repentance. They may have been valiantly applying their human determination as the spiritual weapon of choice to gain a victory that is only won by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Whatever the reason, the apostle Paul asked the question that defines our unique place in the body of Christ. It is our powerful Foursquare belief that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an amazing gift of God. We believe that the fullness of the Holy Spirit enables us to live beyond a conviction to repent and our human determination to never sin again.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit fills us with the power to be truly transformed and able to live as God's forever redeemed.

As modern-day Christians, will we forever strive to find better ways to do church, but miss our distinctive invitation to be the church?

Will we continue to search for more contemporary ways to deliver our message and more culturally authentic ways to live together in community? Or will we echo the compassionate and powerful words of the apostle Paul: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

In the aftermath of such a great baptism, we will find the works of the Holy Spirit in our lives that we need to truly live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

"Let the Spirit be lacking, and there may be wisdom of words, but not the wisdom of God; the powers of oratory, but not the power of God; the demonstration of argument and the logic of the schools, but not the demonstration of the Holy Spirit” (Arthur T. Pierson, Presbyterian minister, 1837-1911).

By: Bill Gross, Foursquare missional development coach

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> “ 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' ” (Acts 19:2, NKJV). I love the apostle Paul! There, I said it. I love Paul’s courage, his knowledge, his faithfulness, his passion for Jesus, his commitment to living every day as if his future depended on it. I love his confident faith in knowing that his future was secure in Christ. I admire how Paul lived the gospel and walked in the Spirit—and most of all, I admire how he saw those two endeavors as a single action, inseparable both in missiology and practicality. Clearly the apostle Paul believed that receiving the Holy Spirit was critical to living as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am not sure what Paul saw when he arrived in Ephesus that would have prompted such a penetrating question: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Possibly these disciples were caught in the Old Covenant struggle of sin and repentance. They may have been valiantly applying their human determination as the spiritual weapon of choice to gain a victory that is only won by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Whatever the reason, the apostle Paul asked the question that defines our unique place in the body of Christ. It is our powerful Foursquare belief that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an amazing gift of God. We believe that the fullness of the Holy Spirit enables us to live beyond a conviction to repent and our human determination to never sin again. The baptism of the Holy Spirit fills us with the power to be truly transformed and able to live as God's forever redeemed. As modern-day Christians, will we forever strive to find better ways to do church, but miss our distinctive invitation to be the church? Will we continue to search for more contemporary ways to deliver our message and more culturally authentic ways to live together in community? Or will we echo the compassionate and powerful words of the apostle Paul: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” In the aftermath of such a great baptism, we will find the works of the Holy Spirit in our lives that we need to truly live the gospel of Jesus Christ. "Let the Spirit be lacking, and there may be wisdom of words, but not the wisdom of God; the powers of oratory, but not the power of God; the demonstration of argument and the logic of the schools, but not the demonstration of the Holy Spirit” (Arthur T. Pierson, Presbyterian minister, 1837-1911). By: Bill Gross, Foursquare missional development coach Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world. acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-11-04T14:00:00+00:00 Acts 18: Living Where God Dwells http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/living_where_god_dwells http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/living_where_god_dwells#When:14:00:00Z A few weeks ago, 25 Foursquare pastors and leaders followed the steps of Paul in Acts 18 as he left Athens and traveled to Corinth.

In Athens, we stood on Mars Hill in the shadow of the great Acropolis with its temples to pagan gods. We listened to Tim Clark (supervisor of the Greater Los Angeles District) and John Fehlen (senior pastor of West Salem Foursquare Church in Oregon) expound on the apostle Paul’s words when he said: " 'God ... does not dwell in temples made with hands' " (Acts 17:24, NKJV). 

For the next several days, we traveled to Corinth, Patmos, Ephesus, Crete and Rome. We visited numerous cathedrals and basilicas built in honor of the apostles Paul, John and Peter. They were majestic, filled with gold and marble, and carefully crafted with artistic touches.

It was clear that no expense was spared all those centuries ago. But, in every temple and cathedral, I kept thinking about where God dwells.

On the last day of our tour, our final visit was to the catacombs. What a stark contrast this was to the ornate basilicas we had just encountered.

We walked underground, down four floors, and heard about the 500,000 people who were buried all around us. We passed by small rooms, some containing an altar denoting an area for worship.

We entered one of the rooms filled with the graves of an extended family, both adults and children. In this place deep inside the earth, and with awesome reverence, our voices rang out with the words of the doxology:

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

As we sang, I have never felt such a profound sense of God's presence. The words of the great hymn hung in the air.

I was in awe of how many beautiful edifices we had walked through with crosses, symbols and altars of worship. Yet, in them all, I was left cold. But in this dark, dirt cave, I sensed the dwelling place of God. It wasn't because of the cave; it was because of the worship of our hearts, the place where God dwells.

I will never forget that experience!

As the apostle Paul came to Corinth, as was his practice he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. After being opposed and abused there, Acts 18:7 says, "Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house ..." (NIV).

Our buildings are meant to be meeting places with God and His people. Whether a magnificent cathedral or an earthen cave, a synagogue or the house next door, God dwells in the hearts of the people who will worship Him there.

By: Tammy Dunahoo, vice president of U.S. operations, general supervisor

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

]]> A few weeks ago, 25 Foursquare pastors and leaders followed the steps of Paul in Acts 18 as he left Athens and traveled to Corinth. In Athens, we stood on Mars Hill in the shadow of the great Acropolis with its temples to pagan gods. We listened to Tim Clark (supervisor of the Greater Los Angeles District) and John Fehlen (senior pastor of West Salem Foursquare Church in Oregon) expound on the apostle Paul’s words when he said: " 'God ... does not dwell in temples made with hands' " (Acts 17:24, NKJV).  For the next several days, we traveled to Corinth, Patmos, Ephesus, Crete and Rome. We visited numerous cathedrals and basilicas built in honor of the apostles Paul, John and Peter. They were majestic, filled with gold and marble, and carefully crafted with artistic touches. It was clear that no expense was spared all those centuries ago. But, in every temple and cathedral, I kept thinking about where God dwells. On the last day of our tour, our final visit was to the catacombs. What a stark contrast this was to the ornate basilicas we had just encountered. We walked underground, down four floors, and heard about the 500,000 people who were buried all around us. We passed by small rooms, some containing an altar denoting an area for worship. We entered one of the rooms filled with the graves of an extended family, both adults and children. In this place deep inside the earth, and with awesome reverence, our voices rang out with the words of the doxology: Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. As we sang, I have never felt such a profound sense of God's presence. The words of the great hymn hung in the air. I was in awe of how many beautiful edifices we had walked through with crosses, symbols and altars of worship. Yet, in them all, I was left cold. But in this dark, dirt cave, I sensed the dwelling place of God. It wasn't because of the cave; it was because of the worship of our hearts, the place where God dwells. I will never forget that experience! As the apostle Paul came to Corinth, as was his practice he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. After being opposed and abused there, Acts 18:7 says, "Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house ..." (NIV). Our buildings are meant to be meeting places with God and His people. Whether a magnificent cathedral or an earthen cave, a synagogue or the house next door, God dwells in the hearts of the people who will worship Him there. By: Tammy Dunahoo, vice president of U.S. operations, general supervisor Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world. acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-10-28T14:00:00+00:00 Acts 17: The God Who Can Be Known http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/the_god_who_can_be_known http://www.foursquare.org/news/article/the_god_who_can_be_known#When:14:00:00Z Acts 17:22-23 says: “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: 'People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you' ” (NIV).

While Paul’s presentation was for those who were seeking, it is a powerful reminder for us who have been found by God.

God is the CREATOR of the universe: “ 'The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands' ” (Acts 17:24).

God is too big for you to handle, manipulate or control. This is good news and bad news. The good news is that He is big enough to handle anything that concerns you. The bad news: If you think being in control of your destiny is the only way ... He is Lord as well.

God is the SUSTAINER of life: “ 'And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else' ” (Acts 17:25).

God doesn’t need anything from you except your needing of Him, and even that is for you.

God is the RULER of all the nations: “ 'From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. "For in Him we live and move and have our being" ' " (Acts 17:26-28a).

Where you find yourselves is not an accident with God. God has structured our lives in order to attract us to Him.

God is the FATHER of human beings: “ 'As some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring." Therefore, since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill' " (Acts 17:28b-29).

Idolatry is the attempt either to localize God or domesticate Him. The truth is, He is our Father, from whom we are meant to derive our very being.

God is the JUDGE of the world: “ 'In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead' ” (Acts 17:30-31).

We are not moving toward some kind of personal extinction or some kind of absorption into Nirvana. Nope … we are heading toward a judgment encounter with God that will be universal, righteous and definite. We live as those who will someday give an account for their lives.

“Heavenly Father, in You we live and have our being. We humbly pray for You to guide and govern us, that in all the care and occupations of our lives, we may not forget You, but remember that we are ever walking in Your sight. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.”

By: Dennis Easter, district supervisor of Foursquare's Pacific Coast and Valleys District

Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.

 

]]> Acts 17:22-23 says: “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: 'People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you' ” (NIV). While Paul’s presentation was for those who were seeking, it is a powerful reminder for us who have been found by God. God is the CREATOR of the universe: “ 'The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands' ” (Acts 17:24). God is too big for you to handle, manipulate or control. This is good news and bad news. The good news is that He is big enough to handle anything that concerns you. The bad news: If you think being in control of your destiny is the only way ... He is Lord as well. God is the SUSTAINER of life: “ 'And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else' ” (Acts 17:25). God doesn’t need anything from you except your needing of Him, and even that is for you. God is the RULER of all the nations: “ 'From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. "For in Him we live and move and have our being" ' " (Acts 17:26-28a). Where you find yourselves is not an accident with God. God has structured our lives in order to attract us to Him. God is the FATHER of human beings: “ 'As some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring." Therefore, since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill' " (Acts 17:28b-29). Idolatry is the attempt either to localize God or domesticate Him. The truth is, He is our Father, from whom we are meant to derive our very being. God is the JUDGE of the world: “ 'In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead' ” (Acts 17:30-31). We are not moving toward some kind of personal extinction or some kind of absorption into Nirvana. Nope … we are heading toward a judgment encounter with God that will be universal, righteous and definite. We live as those who will someday give an account for their lives. “Heavenly Father, in You we live and have our being. We humbly pray for You to guide and govern us, that in all the care and occupations of our lives, we may not forget You, but remember that we are ever walking in Your sight. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.” By: Dennis Easter, district supervisor of Foursquare's Pacific Coast and Valleys District Share your journey through Acts » Comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through Acts together this year! You can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights on Acts from Foursquare leaders around the world.   acts, weekly devotional, weekly prayer, Devotionals, 2011-10-21T14:00:00+00:00