Double Down ... on this. no.51, Acts
- Christine DiGiacomo
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Somewhere in the middle of the airplane I sat, winging my way west to Southern California ... right after take off, I got out my pink Filament Bible 1 and started reading further in Acts, when I noticed the guy across the aisle was reading his Bible too. What?! That was a first on an airplane...and I liked it. hmmm...
And then, from the smiling part of my brain, I recall one morning at the gym when I was reading my Bible study notes on the elliptical trainer. Something caught my eye and I turned to find a young guy--a big guy(!) on the bicycle to my right reading his Bible . . . and an equally big guy on the other side of him also reading his Bible! Of course, I could not resist... hopped down I did, stepped in front of their bikes and asked, ‘ok, what’s going on?’
That started a great conversation, actually the first of many I would have with the two of them. After I introduced myself, found out both were former San Clemente High School athletes, I invited them to Fellowship of Christian Athletes and they came! “Big Dave” stuck. We all loved the big teddy bear of a guy, who loved big and well. Pictured is Big Dave in the ocean with me baptizing one of 10 students on a cold December day (in the water, Robby--sister Emma is looking on). So many memories. Fact is, that scene - those people, well, it all started because we were reading our Bibles. I love that. God is good, and quite creative in how He orchestrates things.
Why read a Bible on the airplane?
Why read a Bible at the gym?
Wait, wait...the first question is ‘why read the Bible at all?’ and the second, ‘why read in a public place?’ (Okay, I have another story about a coffee shop early in the morning in Israel… maybe I’ll share tomorrow)
I hear how people are too busy to read their Bibles. hmmm...
Truth is, we think we are so busy, right? Sure, our schedules are full and we do indeed busy ourselves, but how much of what we do is vitally important?
And how much is essential in thinking well and making our days count? Do you think our perception of our available, disposable time influences our decisions about what we read and think about?
Why read the Bible? Of all the things you could opt to devote your attention, one stands alone – the Bible. In these Morning Briefings, we have just embarked upon Paul’s third and last missionary journey and his path toward the end … in Rome. Some of what we may study might seem tedious or irrelevant to you and your daily life. I mean why study Acts when you could opt for scrolling on TikTok or Insta, clear out your work email, check X or Facebook...watch ESPN?
Those things are fleeting. Scripture endures. True - in a world where everything seems so transient, God’s words to us have meaning that sticks.“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God stands forever.”2 So as I am considering closely the spread of Christianity, I understand how faith in Jesus Christ has changed lives and eternities for more than 2000 years; I want to be part of that continuing legacy. And the more I get to know of the man, Paul, and the tremendous impact he had--I want to be like him. You do know that you and I are part of the continuing story begun on the pages of Acts, right?
Look again with me at what happened after Paul asked the believers in Ephesus if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed… it is really quite remarkable how God works, how God shows up, how God affirms his ways and his words: "Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy."3
Just three verses - but three verses that explain that once they knew of Jesus Christ, they believed in Him and were baptized; then, when Paul laid his hands on them and prayed for them, they spoke in tongues--as God-given evidence of the Holy Spirit. Remember with me that this was like the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence on the Day of Pentecost--that momentous day recorded back in chapter two of Acts. Coincidence? Not on your life. All knew this power was the same Holy Spirit power brought through the salvation of Jesus Christ. God delights in connecting the dots! Divine dots.
A prayer:
"Father, would you whet our appetites to want to know You and Your ways more? Surely, when we want to hear about You and from You, it is to your Word we will go! Prompt us to pick up a Bible, read, learn, digest, meditate upon and apply the beautiful words You have given us. Give us the desire to be more like the men and women you used so powerfully long ago; give us a thirst for what is contained in the pages of our beloved Bibles. Amen."
Friend, DOUBLE DOWN. Determine to find out for yourself the Truth.
Read the life-changing, life-altering and life-breathing Words of God...
Let's grow!
Christine
1 – My pink Filament Bible. Great capabilities using an app on phone or ipad. https://www.tyndale.com/sites/filamentbible Filament is a beautiful, simple reading Bible—until you want more. Scan any page of the Filament Bible with your phone or tablet and unlock a world of new understanding. Every page connects to videos, interactive maps, study notes, devotionals, and more.
And 'pink'? Well that's another story.
2 - Isaiah 40.8
3 - Acts 19.4-6
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