A Lenten devotion by Pastor Randy Hunter
Transfiguration. Today we recall a day in Jesus’ life when he was with his disciples, Peter, James and John, on a mountain and, according to Matthew’s record, "he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.” Two giants of the Old Testament also appeared there, Moses, the giver of the law and Elijah, the great prophet. Imagine the boost this gave to the apostles who would soon see Jesus betrayed, beaten, and crucified. You wonder how many times during those days they recalled, “But on the mountain…” Let this event do the same for you. This week marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time to rehearse and remember Jesus’ suffering and death for the world, for you. Until we make it to the empty grave of Easter, recall as they did, “But on the mountain…”
To receive 250-word devotions on Acts 3:11-26 this week, Monday – Friday,
go to st-andrew-online.org/devotions.
Waiting for a miracle? Does that describe you? If it hasn't, or doesn't, it will. In the section of Acts we’re encountering today, the author Dr. Luke records Peter and John meeting a man who had been praying for a miracle for decades. Then healing came. Let that man's suffering and healing open your eyes to a biblical view of your suffering and healing.
We hope you can join us next Thursday or Sunday for the conclusion of this story. In Acts 3:11-26, Dr. Luke records Peter’s explanation what happened to the man. Let Peter's explanation open your eyes to how God uses miracles—then and today.
What do Spirit-filled people do? Early in Dr. Luke's record of the seedling Christian church he recorded the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit. But then what? What happens next? Spirit-filled flapping of arms and fainting from being overcome by the presence of God? No. Here's how "spiritual" people became when the Holy Spirit filled them: they hung out together. There's more, of course, but people who are filled with the Spirit look for reasons and find ways to be together…like you…like right now…together.
To receive 250-word devotions on Acts 2:42-47 this week, Monday – Friday,
go to st-andrew-online.org/devotions.
It is sometimes called the sermon that launched the Christian Church. Jesus launched his church, but we get an amazing picture of how God uses his children. In the moments following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter stands boldly and preaches of Jesus and the forgiveness given by Jesus. What takes Peter from a terrified, timid fisherman to a bold proclaimer of the faith? It is the same gospel God has placed in your heart! Today, learn from Peter's first sermon how to proclaim Jesus and the means by which God gives his grace.
To receive 250-word devotions on Acts 2:14-41 this week, Monday – Friday,
go to st-andrew-online.org/devotions.