Category: Devotions

Who’s your hero?

Acts 24:3 “Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.”

Felix was given a title … most excellent.

Felix was given total praise … profound gratitude.

Felix’s work was akin to being all-powerful … in every way.

Felix’s work was akin to being all-present … everywhere.

Omnipresent, Omnipotent, total praise and a title. Sounds like God!

Since day one Satan has been tempting us to become ‘like God’ (Genesis 3:5).

In our desire to be like Christ motive is everything.

Thirty years ago I had my hero’s. They were in high office, well-known, charismatic personalities and gifted and I would follow them. Whilst some would follow the stars of sports and music, I would hero worship the preachers and the healers.

Today thankfully I have lost those heroes’. My hero’s don’t have a title, they look very weak not powerful and they are not known across the stages of the Christian world, they live in the back and beyond of nowhere important and yet when I am with them they stir me to pursue God with my praise.

There is a fine line. We must thank people when they have done well, we must appreciate and show gratitude where it is deserved. Those receiving it should receive it and be encouraged to pursue God even more who grants all things. But we must end the hero-worship.

When I hold conferences across the world and bring leaders together, within the pack of information that every delegate receives beforehand it will say something like this, “Don’t bring your titles and dress casually”. I am not concerned that the leaders may believe they are some cult-figure, my concern is others may think that and give praise to them what is due to God.

A cult-figure cannot be spoken against.

A cult-figure is never wrong.

A cult-figure has an attraction either in appearance, riches or displays of power.

A cult-figure is not God but is the way people grow and experience God.

A cult-figure will always want to remain in place.

Every man of God is a man.

Every dynamic woman is a woman.

God is God.

The higher they are built up the harder they will fall when you come to the realisation they are only human after all.

The red carpet always belongs to God.

Resist any more bootlicking!

Acts 24:2 “When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation.”

• Flattery takes small elements of truth but ignores the serious failings. (History writers talk of the rebel groups that Felix silenced but also the many divisions that he caused)
• Flattery panders to the need to be liked. (“We … you”, Tertullus was saying ‘we like you’)
• Flattery is for the purpose of gaining some benefit. (Tertullus begins his prosecution with flattery because he wants Paul dead)
• Flattery magnifies the person beyond recognition, to the point of it no longer being an exaggerated praise, it is a blatant lie. (Felix did not reform the nation)
• Flattery cannot be spotted by simply listening to what is being said, it has to be seen in the context of the situation. (The context is Paul standing there and the “…case…”)

The truth is probably that we have all been flattered at some point in our lives and enjoyed it and we have all used flattery.

Flattery is a sin and we need to distance ourselves from it.

I am sure we never use flattery in order to bring down some other person as Tertullus tried regarding Paul. But our reason could be important need and we may even feel godly need. Flattery is not far from us especially in the age of social media and promotion. We need wisdom.

Pastors need people.

People need to be needed.

Churches need ministries.

Ministries (and mission departments/agencies) need money.

We are never far away from the line of flattery.

Paul was able to say of his leadership team, “We never used flattery”, let us all be able to say this. (1 Thessalonians 2:5)

Maybe these 3 simple questions will help:

• Is this true?
• Is this self-praise?
• What do I gain?

So why have I titled this blog the way I have?

Well that is because of the verse in Job 32:22 “for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.” But I love how it is wonderfully worded by the Message:

“Do you three have nothing else to say? Of course you don’t! You’re total frauds! Why should I wait any longer, now that you’re stopped dead in your tracks? I’m ready to speak my piece. That’s right! It’s my turn—and it’s about time! I’ve got a lot to say, and I’m bursting to say it. The pressure has built up, like lava beneath the earth. I’m a volcano ready to blow. I have to speak—I have no choice. I have to say what’s on my heart, And I’m going to say it straight— the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I was never any good at bootlicking; my Maker would make short work of me if I started in now!”

Say it straight, stop licking boots!

You are always enough!

Acts 24:1 “Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.”

You may only have your name at times but your name is enough.

There has been five long days of waiting to see who would descend from Jerusalem to Caesarea.

Amongst the elders were two significant men:

• The high priest Ananias Nedebaeus, a cruel and violent man who according to historical writers would steal the tithes from the priests and give huge bribes to both Romans and Jews.
• A lawyer called Tertullus, though his name suggests he was Roman that is not necessary so, but neither is their proof of his Jewish heritage. He wasn’t chosen for his nationality but his ability to speak and bring the accusation. He was a professional in every sense.

Then of course there was Felix the governor. He had deceived and manipulated his way from being a freed slave to being appointed by the Emperor to govern the province. The historian Tacitus described him as ‘cruel and licentious’. He would do anything for a bribe and we will find out he was hoping to get money from Paul for favours.

Do you get the picture?

Descending on you are Ananias and Tertullas. These two men represented expertise in the Jewish law and also the Roman law: the law of God and the law of man. Standing in the judge’s seat is someone who cannot be trusted in any way. Then there is you.

Paul.

He has a sinful past.

He describes himself as the least of the apostles.

He carries a thorn in the flesh.

He is like you and me.

Friends, whatever has descended upon you today, no matter how high and mighty or how official they be, they may have the powers to change your life for the good and for bad, remember this, you are standing there.

Paul.

“I used to be called Saul. But my name changed when God changed me.”

“I am a changed man. God did a work in my life. I will never be the same again.”

You are more than your name.

Do not be intimidated by those who are more experienced or have fancy titles, who bring their accusations, who can tie you up in oratory knots, who can manipulate, who desire your flattery to entice them to be kind to you, who threaten and who are known for carrying out those threats.

Who are you? Who do you belong to? You are more than your name! You belong to the One who is higher, who is far and beyond and who is up, close and personal and in your life today. “Greater is He that is in us ….”

 

5 keys to sorting out arguments

Acts 23:35 “Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.”

The Apostle Paul is standing before the most leading authoritative figure in his life so far. Felix, the Governor, has been handed a letter from Claudius Lysias, the Roman Commander regarding Jewish accusations against Paul, a Roman citizen.

Felix has to decide what to do.

There are times when we have to decide on 2 opposing parties or when someone airs a grievance and wants us to bring a satisfactory judgment for them. Sometimes the accusers just want us to believe them and take everything that is said as true and join their side. Maybe it would be better if we adopted the practice of Felix from this verse:

1. Take whatever is presented to you seriously and make at least one early decision to show it. (This whole verse shows Felix being responsible)
2. Everyone deserves to be heard fully. (‘I will hear your case’ actually means ‘I will hear you in full’)
3. Protect the accused. (Paul was kept under guard for his safety, he was no danger to Felix)
4. Keep the accused near you. You will know more about them by keeping them closer than distancing them. (Herod’s palace was now used by Felix and his soldiers as his living quarters)
5. Get everyone in the room. (Felix waited for the accusers to arrive)

Perhaps if we followed these 5 practices we would get less situations to sort out or certainly would be more diligent in our judgments.

5 filter questions for busy lives

Acts 23:34 “The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia …”

“Does this come under my authority? Is this my responsibility?” Those are the questions that were going through the mind of Felix, the Governor of Caesarea. If Paul had come from another province other than Cilicia then Felix would have been glad not to have dealt with the case. However, Cilicia was indeed under his authority.

This time of the year is good for reflection as we look back on all that has happened in the last 12 months and of course what is ahead of us. Maybe the busyness of our lives will benefit from holding in place a filter of questions that are taken from this verse we have read today:

1. Do I need to read this? Not every circular should be read, regulate the hours you spend on spam (we don’t read our spam emails but we are never away from Social Media, which often is spam!). Once you ascertain its importance then there is a similar question to ask but even more necessary…
2. Is this for me? Not everything that comes to you is for you.
3. What question do I need to ask and to whom? Information is everything.
4. Can this be given to someone else? Other people may be able to deal with it better than you.
5. Am I responsible for this? Knowing what you are responsible for is crucial for life. Just because others expect you to take action doesn’t mean you do.

Being busy is good. However we must regulate our lives so that it remains good.

The Master’s plan

Acts 23:33 “When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him.”

The letter started, “Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings…” and now Felix was holding the letter and had been delivered the parcel … Paul!

During the whole Christmas period we have been handing cards, letters and gifts to people we love. It is a lovely moment and one that we enjoy.

But there will be many today who feel they are being ‘handed over’ and it may not be so pleasant and it may be confusing. Children from broken families that are not amicable, the elderly who are upset for needing to move into a nursing home and those battling illnesses which seem to have the upper hand. There are all kinds of reasons that people can find themselves today not in control of their lives anymore.

The Christmas story appears through one lens like it is being controlled by worldly leaders and situations. From another angle everything was in the Master plan, but on earth sometimes it doesn’t feel like that.

Jesus later said it would be very difficult for those who followed him: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” (Matthew 24:9)

He of course experienced being handed over: “Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.” (Mark 15:1)

Jesus knew this experience that perhaps you or someone you love knows today. This out-of-control feeling, of being handed over, this circumstantial leading of their life rather than their own choosing.

In one of the first sermons of the early church we are told very clearly what we should hold on to in such an experience: “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.” (Acts 2:23)

If you are a follower, then keep following even though you may feel the hand of man, you are sitting in the palm of God’s hand and master plan.

God is in control

Acts 23:32 “The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks.”

Happy Christmas!

Two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen had taken Paul on a journey from the danger of the Jerusalem mob to the governor Felix, in Caesarea. They stopped at Antipatris and then the 70 men of the cavalry continued on whilst the others returned.

To be a servant of God doesn’t mean you follow Him. There have been many who have served God’s purposes without realising it.

Today is a day when we hear the Queens speech, the sermons from the major traditional churches and the message from the Pope. They will contain the hope of light in a dark world and they will speak of the challenges from the enemy. We will be reminded to pray for the leaders of the world. Each one of those leaders are servants of God whether they know it or not, whether they believe in Him or not.

Nowhere is this better seen than in the Christmas story. Mary’s home was Nazareth, but because of one man, Caesar Augustus, she is in Bethlehem. However 650 years preciously: “But you Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

The cavalry served God as Paul continued in the His purpose to stand trial before Felix and then in Rome.

God has the whole world in His hands and He is accomplishing His higher purposes even when we cannot see it.

God has you in His hands and the people He uses to move into your life, to exchange with you may be people you never anticipated walking with, they may not even share your views and beliefs, but they are His servants working for your good and His purpose.

 

The night

Acts 23:31 “So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris.”

Paul had to journey to the governor, Felix, during the night.

Today is Christmas Eve and for so many children it will be a magical night as they anticipate their presents the next day. Most will not sleep for many hours as they become too excited to sleep, they will rise early. The night can be full of wonder and awe as we look to the skies and see a vast array of stars. The story that we celebrate reminds us how there “were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (Luke 2:8) After they encountered the angels they travelled to see Jesus. It was a night journey full of excitement.

Some people will not make that kind of journey, tonight or at any time. They are like the apostle Paul being taken down a night journey where they do not know what the day will turn out like.

When Herod was searching for Jesus to kill him, an angel appeared to Joseph and warned him, “So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt” (Matthew 2:14). Their night time was filled with questions as to what might happen next.

So, your night can be filled with excitement and also of challenge. However you would describe it make sure it is filled with trust in God. Whether you are journeying towards Him or whether it feels He is enabling you to escape from an enemy, He is here, God with us, Immanuel. He is here, with you, God of the day and God of the night.

 

The Christmas Herod

Acts 23:30 “When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.”

The Commander continues in the letter to Felix to relay the story of rescuing Paul from the angry Sanhedrin. As we know at the crux of the story is the plot from evil men, 40 of them, to kill Paul.

The Christmas story is not only about the birth of Jesus but we incorporate into the wonder of that stage the desire of a certain ruler who wants to kill Jesus in his early childhood.

Not every character in the Christmas nativity play is a cute figure. If the story gets told in full then someone has to play the villain. That character is King Herod.

King Herod plotted to kill Jesus and told the Magi to find the child and to let him know where he is so that he could worship him. They didn’t for they knew it was a pretext for a hidden agenda and it fuelled his anger even more when they never returned.

Every year we hear of some council trying to kill off Christ in Christmas, banning advertising Christmas plays, cards, shop windows etc. Because of President Trumps announcement of Jerusalem being the capital of Israel the authorities in Bethlehem have turned off the Christmas lights which had apparently become a marvellous display of light. Bethlehem is now in darkness this Christmas.

People who have had a bad year may want to dismiss Christmas. Or maybe they just do not believe the story. Christmas is often dismissed. It always has been.

King Herod lives in every generation.

 

 

The Christmas plan

Acts 23:29 “I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.”

The Commander recounts the events of Paul before the Sanhedrin. Originally the charge was that Paul had taken a Gentile into the holy place within the Temple. The punishment for such an action was death. But this was never mentioned at the Sanhedrin.

Paul was being attacked on trumped-up charges and on no charges at all.

But he was in the plan of God.

Jesus was born to die. That was the plan. He came and offended the religious. They brought false charges and he was put on the cross.

Isaiah 53: 2-9

But it was the plan of God.

So friends it doesn’t matter what the charges are or even if they are mentioned but they just stir up a disturbance against you. One of the major themes of Christmas is that even when man does his worst, God is doing His plan. His plan is always for your best.