Acts 3:1-26 It was about three in the afternoon when Peter and John encountered a lame man begging at the Gate Beautiful as they entered the temple courtyard. Peter looked into the man’s eyes and said, “Silver and gold I do not have but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (v. 6).

Peter then took the right hand of the man and pulled him up. Instantly strength came into his ankles and feet, and he entered the temple with them walking, leaping and praising God.

Peter gave all he had to give, and it was more than enough. He had the name of Jesus and the ability through the Holy Spirit to deliver and heal people. We have the same to give to others.

The name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit are much more precious than silver or gold. We cannot take silver or gold with us to heaven, but we can take two very precious treasures to heaven with us—people with whom we have shared Jesus on earth and the Word of God we have hidden in our hearts. Peter delivered to this lame man the words of life that are eternal. Every day we have that same opportunity through phone calls, personal conversations, letters, writings and now even e-mail and chat rooms. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

When I read this proverb I visualize a beautiful painting of golden apples framed in silver, and the title is WORDS OF LIFE. Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” There are many spiritual cripples on this earth who need the words of life you have within you to deliver. Be on the lookout today for such people, and let your words be led, anointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, thank You for the words of life that are hidden in my heart. I know I can take them to heaven with me, but I want somehow to dispense some of these words to others today. Help me to do this if someone calls me on the phone or perhaps You have someone I need to call. Help me to share Your words through my writings and letters. The world is full of words that bring death and discouragement to people. Help my conversations today be seasoned with grace and my words to be life giving and life changing. Amen.

READ: 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25; Acts 3:1-26; Psalm 123:1-4; Proverbs 16:21-23

2 Samuel 22:21-23:23 One of my joys in life is to rise before dawn and praise the Lord with all of His creatures at sunrise. There is a verse in Psalms that says, “You make the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice” (Ps. 65:8). Have you ever noticed how the birds sing the loudest at dawn and sunset? I try not to miss this morning and evening symphony of worship, and I love joining my voice to it. I also love to see the morning star in the sky, and I recall Jesus’ description of Himself: “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star” (Rev. 22:16).

In our reading today in 2 Samuel the last words of David are recorded. People’s last words are always very important, and David’s last words describe the Lord in many ways. His last words share how much the Lord meant to him throughout his lifetime. He says the Lord is the lamp who lights his darkness. He says the Lord is his buckler, rock, tower of salvation and his strength and power. The Lord is his teacher and meek instructor. David says the Lord’s gentleness has made him great. The Lord is his security who helped him not to slip and is his deliverer from all adversaries, both physical and spiritual. David gives this beautiful description of the Lord that complements the Lord’s words about Himself in Revelation 22:16: “And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain” (v. 4).

What a description of our Lord! Have you awakened to a cloudless sky after a stormy night and seen the tender grass shining after the rain? David is expressing descriptively the Lord’s illuminating power, the clarity and brightness of His countenance, and the refreshing satiating personality of the Lord. He is the dawning of every day, the refreshing rain for my tender soul and the clarity of heart and mind I need for this day.

Who is like the Lord? There is no one exactly like the Lord. It is astonishing, however, that He has chosen to conform us to His very image.

Lord, today I want to be more like You than I was yesterday. I want to shine a light and move the clouds away for those who are oppressed today. I want to provide the refreshing rain of Your Holy Spirit to the one who is in a dry place. Only You can satiate and satisfy the souls of men, but use me today as Your instrument to deliver Your liberating power and sustaining power to others. Amen.

READ: 2 Samuel 22:21-23:23; Acts 2:1-47; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 16:19-20

Psalm 121:1-8 What a comfort to know I have a keeper. We all need a keeper—a protector, provider and problem solver. Those who are blessed with good parents had the experience of the safety of a peaceful, loving home. I can remember the secure feeling I had when my dad came home from work and everyone was settled in our home for the night. I knew if we had any problems, Dad could handle them. I can remember my mother tucking me in at night. She used two giant safety pins to pin my covers down so I would not kick them off in the night. I went to sleep knowing the safety of a warm bed that would stay warm all night. My parents were good keepers, and they saw to my every need. I also have been blessed with a wise husband who keeps our checkbook balanced and sees to the financial, physical and spiritual needs of our home. He has been a wonderful keeper of me for over forty years, and I really need a keeper.

There are those, however, who have not had the blessing of good keepers in their lives. Some may have experienced a childhood of abuse or neglect. Some may have married unwisely a person who does not honor and cherish them. The good news is there is a place of safety for those who have had a lack or provision and protection. There is a keeper who will keep them and who in reality has kept them all of their lives.

We all have a keeper who is able to not only protect, provide and preserve us in this life, but also in the life to come and for all eternity. His name is Jesus. He is the keeper of our souls. The Bible tells us He is the bishop of our souls. Jesus will anchor your soul (mind, will and emotions) securely in hope even in the stormiest times of your life. As bishop of our souls, He is not so far above us that He cannot identify with us. He was tempted in all points even as we are, and He was touched with the feelings of all of our weaknesses. The Bible tells us He knows our every weakness; therefore, He is able to succor us (rescue us) when we go through temptations, trials and testings (Heb. 2:18). He is always there to provide a way of escape when things get overwhelming. He is our door of hope. He is our door to safety. David writes, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved: he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper: the Lord is your shade at your right hand” (vv. 2-5).

He goes on in this psalm to describe the preserving and protecting power of the Lord. He is able to protect us from the sun, preserve us from evil and preserve our going and coming. He preserves our soul not only now, but forever more. Sometimes when we go through rough times, we think no one cares, especially if we live alone. Jesus cares, and He will keep you.

READ: 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20; Acts 1:1-26; Psalm 121:1-8; Proverbs 16:18

John 21:1-25 The water gently washed over the heart-shaped rocks that were formerly pillars to an ancient temple. We looked in the distance across the Sea of Galilee and relived the story written in John 21. We were standing in one of my favorite spots on the shore of the Galilee. The place is called Peter’s Primacy, and it is the place where Jesus cooked a meal for His disciples after He was resurrected. It was at this place that Peter had the opportunity to confirm his love to the Master three times after denying Him three times. This was Jesus’ last meal with His disciples before He ascended, and something essential for their future happened here during their dinner conversation. Jesus told them of their future occupation in the kingdom.

The disciples had gone fishing and had caught nothing. They heard a voice on shore calling, “Children, have you any meat?” Still not recognizing Jesus, they responded, “No.” Then Jesus instructed, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find.” Peter then realized it was the Lord, and he girded himself and swam to shore to meet Jesus. The other disciples did as Jesus told them, and they followed Peter to shore, dragging a great catch with them. When they arrived, Jesus already had bread waiting and a fire going to cook the fish. Then Jesus asked Peter a very important question. “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me more than these?” Peter responded, “Yes, Lord; You know I do.” Jesus said, “Feed My lambs.” Then Jesus asked him again, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me?” Peter responded, “Yes, Lord, You know I love You.” Jesus instructed, “Feed My sheep.” Then Jesus asked the third time, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me?” Peter responded, “Lord, You know all things. You know I love you.” Jesus again instructed, “Feed My sheep.”

When Jesus first asked Peter if he loved Him more than these, I believe Jesus was not pointing at the disciples; instead, He was pointing to the great catch of fish they had just brought to shore. Peter’s livelihood was fishing, and it was something he loved to do. Every day his goal as a fisherman was to have a great catch. What Jesus was asking Peter was, “Do you love Me more than what you love to do the most?” What Peter loved the most was fishing. What do you love the most? It may be your job, your family or even yourself. It is easy for us to say “I love you” to Jesus and to others, but love demands action. Jesus knew Peter loved Him, but He gave Peter a specific way he could demonstrate his love to Jesus. Jesus told him first to feed His lambs (the little children). Then Jesus told him twice to feed His sheep. Children are so important to Jesus. Remember Jesus called the disciples “children.” He sees us as children and He loves us, but He also sees us as those who can feed His Word to those both younger and older than us in the spirit and most of all to the unbeliever. Do you love Jesus? Feed His lambs then.

READ: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17

Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg seek to convey the joy and fulfillment of personal evangelism in their new book, The Unexpected Adventure: Taking Everyday Risks to Talk With People About Jesus (Zondervan), which released earlier this month.

Written in a devotional-type format and divided into 42-day “adventures,” the book introduces readers to significant moments they’ve experienced when sharing the gospel. In the book’s introduction, Strobel calls evangelism “the missing ingredient” in the lives of many Christians who report going through times of spiritual dryness. A passion for reaching unbelievers not only translates into renewed Christian devotion but also spills over into a more dedicated focus on Bible study, prayer life, worship and dependence on God, he asserts.

“I’ve never heard anyone complain by saying, ‘My spiritual life is so dry right now; it’s like I’m living in a desert,’ and then add, ‘Oh, by the way, I’m actively trying to reach a friend for Christ,'” Strobel writes. 

The pair’s stories follow the theme of “unexpected adventures”—times when the authors followed openings to talk about their faith, which in turn brought about dynamic life changes, such as the time Strobel felt compelled to witness to a co-worker who seemed reluctant to listen. Years later, he was approached by a person who’d received Christ as a result of that conversation—not the co-worker, but rather a man Strobel hadn’t even noticed was listening.

“Who could have foreseen that, except for an amazing God of grace?” Strobel asks.

The authors also address the fears and hesitancies some might have in reaching out to unbelievers. In the book’s conclusion, Mittelberg acknowledges that the adventure comes at a price.

“We all love the idea of adventure, but here’s the truth: adventure inevitably involves risk, which in turn always entails some measure of anxiety or nervousness,” he writes. “So if you’re feeling apprehensive about an outreach opportunity, it’s probably a good sign. It means you’re well on your way to experiencing real adventure.”

Click here to purchase this book.

Disney Pixar | Rated PG

There isn’t a Pixar film I don’t like. The creative geniuses can make anything come to life: a lamp (on the opening logo), toys, cars. And I am convinced that only Pixar could make rats cute (I shivered a bit while watching Ratatouille, but I still enjoyed every second). Even the intro shorts are brilliant and as good as the main attractions. When I find out Pixar is releasing a new movie, I immediately make plans to go see it.

From the previews alone, Up seems to have all the elements that make Pixar films great: a clever storyline, interesting characters and plenty of humor.

Plus, it’s the first time we get to watch a Pixar film sporting cool 3D glasses. I have high expectations for Up, and I have a feeling I won’t be disappointed.

In the movie, Chester Fredericksen (Edward Asner) has wanted all his life to explore the wild lands of South America, but he never got his chance. Now, at 78, he decides to finally make his dream come true. With thousands of balloons attached to his house, Chester takes off. But he soon discovers he has a stowaway, 8-year-old Russell. This man-and-boy duo is in for the adventure of a lifetime.

Hallmark Channel | Starring Treat Williams, Nancy Travis | Airs Saturday, May 30, 9 p.m. EST

Safe Harbor is based on the true story of Doug and Robbie Smith, a Jacksonville, Fla., couple whose decision to help a friend changed their lives forever and set them on track to fulfill God’s call on their lives.

The Smiths are preparing for their retirement dream: sailing the world on their boat, the Molly Marie. But when their friend Judge Roberts asks them to look after some teenagers only until space opens up in juvenile hall, the Smiths agree.

The boys discover that working and living on the couple’s boat doesn’t seem much better than juvie. As days turn into months, the Smiths are able to help the boys turn their lives around. The couple realizes that true treasure is found in these young men right in their own hometown.

As a result of that experience, the Smiths founded the Safe Harbor Home for Boys, a residential education program that uses the waterfront as a residential and educational facility. For more information, visit .

By Pat Robertson | FaithWords | hardcover | 240 pages | $

Author and televangelist Pat Robertson gives a common-sense explanation of money management in Right on the Money: Financial Advice for Tough Times. With the exception of sections on the more complex aspects of stock and bond trading, the language is simple and accessible enough for finance-planning newcomers.

Robertson covers budgets, credit, investing, home ownership, insurance and other basics of personal finance with lucid word illustrations and advice. His suggestions and observations often come filtered through the context of recent events, though not always.

In discussing retirement savings, for example, he doesn’t address the fact that many employers are dropping the company match that makes 401(k)s an attractive investment.

While Right on the Money is valuable reading for anyone hoping to better understand finance, the book offers no magic escape from the current economic crisis. Also, readers who have already made some of the mistakes Robertson rails against may find the book an unpleasant reminder.

Click here to purchase this book.

Jack W. Hayford announced Tuesday that he will not seek a second term as president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel when his five-year term ends Aug. 31.

Hayford, 74, made the announcement during Foursquare’s annual convention being held this week in Anaheim, Calif. Hayford, founding pastor of The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, Calif., was elected president of the 8.4 million-member denomination in 2004. He notified church leaders of his decision not to seek a second term on Monday.

“I am not resigning, retiring or refusing my availability to serve my church family in any way I may be asked,” Hayford said during a Tuesday business meeting. “I am simply concluding my role as president; it was a decision prompted solely by a clarity born of God’s Word and Spirit as my wife, Anna, and I have sought His will.”

Glenn Burris Jr., Foursquare general supervisor and vice president of national church operations, will serve as interim president, effective Sept. 1. The denomination’s board of directors will nominate at least two presidential candidates during the church’s 2010 convention in Atlanta. Licensed and ordained ministers, as well as church delegates, will vote on the candidates.

Earlier this year Hayford said he would seek a second term, saying he felt “constrained by the Holy Spirit to serve.” But in a letter announcing his decision to withdraw his availability to serve as president, Hayford said he began to sense God lifting the “constraint to continue” in the last several weeks. (Read Hayford’s announcement.)

“[The Holy Spirit] has indicated that my sense of constraint to continue was, at this time, a bond to a noble sense of duty-not to His assignment,” Hayford wrote. “So I surrender to the refinement of His directive and stand ready to serve in whatever ways He has in mind.”

Hayford said there were no negative reasons for his withdrawal, and that he will remain available to serve the denomination. But he said he and Anna “arrived at an absolute, deep and confirming sense of peace” about the decision after the couple prayed together Saturday.

“Central among the very practical and lovingly tender things God gave me understanding about is that, foremost, commitment to a full five-year mission as president would be unwise for me to attempt with all else that is before me at this point in life,” Hayford said. “I would gladly share in greater detail but as I’ve described, I’ve been given that perfect peace ‘which passes understanding,’ and there are ‘no negatives.'”

Following Hayford’s announcement, convention delegates gave him a standing ovation.

The Foursquare Church was founded in 1927 by evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson. Hayford is the denomination’s fifth president.

From time to time something is e-mailed to me that I think is worth passing along. The item below by Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, highlights the recent outrageous attack by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) against the rights of Christians. On their DHS Threat Assessment list, they recorded conservatives, veterans, pro-gun people and others as “right-wing extremists,” and as possible terror threats. Mat articulates the details about this in the letter below. Read it and let me know what you think.

From the desk of:
Mat Staver

“The new leaders in the federal government are trying to label us as extremists and I want to throw their attacks right back at them. ” –Mat

Just a few days ago, a Louisiana man was detained by police for having a “Don’t Tread on Me” bumper sticker on his car.

That’s right … the police directly challenged this man for having an “extremist” (i.e. patriotic) bumper sticker!

I could have predicted this. After all, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you and I are “right- wing extremists.”

A recent DHS Threat Assessment specifically listed pro-life, pro-veteran, and pro-Second Amendment citizens — as well as those who simply believe in a limited federal government — as terror threats!

Under pressure, Secretary Janet Napolitano removed the report from her agency’s web site, but she has refused to repudiate it.

This outrageous report is symptomatic of the animosity our nation’s new leadership holds toward people of faith and patriots who love this country.

The same President who changed the “war on terror” to an “overseas contingency operation” and has removed “Islamic extremist” from his lexicon, has instead put the bull’s-eye on America’s people of faith and traditional we are allegedly the terror threats.

Well, I’ve decided to match fire with fire…

+ + We’re sending it right back at them.

I want to invite you to join me in throwing these outrageous attacks back in the face of our nation’s new ultra-left leadership by taking a simple step …

I want you to join me as an official Liberty Counsel card-carrying “Right-wing Extremist”.

Click here to request your complimentary card.

I want you to have the official laminated, wallet-sized card (personalized with your name) for two reasons …

First, our “Right-wing Extremist” card is a symbol of your personal rejection to the new administration’s attacks against people of faith and those holding traditional values. You can join me in turning the tables on them by wearing the term “Right-wing Extremist” as a badge of honor. If being pro-life, pro-faith and pro-veteran makes me an extremist then so be it.

Second, I want you to have the phone number to our Liberty Counsel office in your wallet or purse at all times— just in case you are confronted in any way by a government agent who is hostile to your faith or your traditional values.

It’s already happening … just ask the man in Louisiana who was detained by police for having a patriotic bumper sticker.

That’s why I want you to have the card — so our legal team can be notified and we can stop this outrageous profiling wherever and whenever it takes place.

Click here to see a sample of what your card looks like.

The card is my gift to you. There is no cost for the card. I am so outraged by the attacks that are coming from this administration against patriots and people of faith, that I feel we must get these cards into the hands of all our team members.

Of course, there are expenses associated with this national campaign, so any financial support you provide will be greatly appreciated and put to immediate use in advancing and protecting our precious liberties.

So please, stand with me against these attacks and request your official Liberty Counsel “Right-wing Extremist” card.

Thank you and God bless you,

Mathew Staver, Founder
Liberty Counsel

P.S. The card will be personalized for you… and it’s free. But to begin processing your card, I must hear from you.

Please go here now.