1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

"He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Just Be Normal!

Max Lucado:

"[...]'Here is what I know,' she told them.  'They held my baby.'..."

We don't have to speak in Christian code or memorize the Bible or try to out-"good" each other to live out our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).  All that following Jesus requires is that we walk humbly with the God who created us, with gratitude for His Son, who saves us.  That's it...that's all we are called to do!

What would Jesus do?  He would be kind, and help whenever he could.  He would be patient and generous.  He would keep a Servant's heart.  Most of all, he would love others.  That we should do the same...that's what it means to walk with Jesus.  It doesn't cost us a thing...the price has been paid in full...

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Rest!

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."  Genesis 2:2-3

"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'"  Mark 6:31

From a recent CNBC article:

"[...]A three-day weekend? We can barely get through three waking hours without working, new research shows. The average smartphone user checks his or her device 150 times per day, or about once every six minutes. Meanwhile, government data from 2011 says 35 percent of us work on weekends, and those who do average five hours of labor, often without compensation—or even a thank you. The other 65 percent were probably too busy to answer surveyors' questions.

There's plenty of debate among economists and psychologists whether the economy is to blame, or we do this to ourselves. There's little arguing that the concept of a Sabbath is in serious danger."

It is so easy, in these digital times to be always 'on;' to be always 'plugged in.'  But this isn't what God has in mind for us - not even close!  Even He takes time to rest (Genesis 2:2-3).  If the Creator and Overseer of the universe has time to take a break, surely we do, too.  When we don't take time to rest, we're saying: 'God, you might need to take a break, but I don't.  I've got the power to keep going and I'm far too busy to stop and rest.  Maybe that works for you, but not for me.'  What a foolish, unwise thing to say!  Pray this prayer today:

"Lord, as we pause this weekend to honor those who have sacrificed so greatly for our freedom, let us also take time to emulate you, and rest; and also to thank you and honor your Son, the Ultimate Payor for our freedom, Jesus Christ.  Let us be wise to take time this Memorial Day weekend to rest and enjoy our families.  By doing this, we are living life as you intended it - with time for work and sowing, and time for leisure and reaping.  This is your best for our lives, God.  Thank you for this blessing.  Amen!"

On Acts: The Mission of the Holy Spirit

Mark Driscoll:

"[...]The mission of the Holy Spirit, as we see throughout Acts, is to bring people to faith in Christ.  As Jesus says to his first followers at the outset of the book: 'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth' (Acts 1:8).

[...]Throughout the book, we learn to recognize evidence of the Holy Spirit at work:

Bold evangelism (4:15, 31, 33)

Passionate worship (2:47, 4:21)

Generous, sacrifical giving (2:45)

Participation in the life of the church (2:46)

Baptisms (2:41, 8:12)

Lives changed (3:8, 4:36-37)

That’s what I want for our church. That’s what I want for Christians everywhere and for non-Christians who are actually going to be Christians (but, in the providence of God, they just don’t know it yet)..."

Acts 9:1-19 (MSG)

"All this time Saul was breathing down the necks of the Master’s disciples, out for the kill. He went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.

He set off. When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: 'Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?'

He said, 'Who are you, Master?'

'I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.'

His companions stood there dumbstruck—they could hear the sound, but couldn’t see anyone—while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing.

There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: 'Ananias.'

'Yes, Master?' he answered.

'Get up and go over to Straight Avenue. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He’s there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.'

Ananias protested, 'Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.'

But the Master said, 'Don’t argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I’m about to show him what he’s in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job.'

So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, 'Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' No sooner were the words out of his mouth than something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes—he could see again! He got to his feet, was baptized, and sat down with them to a hearty meal."

Join us this Sunday at Walnut St UMC for the second week in our latest series, "Walking the Walk," 8:15 (Traditional), 9:30 (Contemporary) and 11:00 AM (Blended). We hope to see you there!

The Walk: Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding

"For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Proverbs 2:6

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."  Proverbs 24:3-4

Pray this prayer today:

"Lord, you are the source of wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  I walk with you because I know you have so much to teach me about how to live wisely for your purpose and your eternal plans.  Search my heart, Lord, and rid me of any destructive thoughts or motivations that might make me less effective today, Lord.  Replace these with the wisdom, knowledge and understanding you have promised.  Not my will today, Lord, but yours; your plans are far greater than any I could imagine.  Amen!"

Job 42:1-3 (NLT)

"'I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.  You asked, 'Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?'  It is I - and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me."

Join us this Sunday at Walnut St UMC for the second week in our latest series, "Walking the Walk," 8:15 (Traditional), 9:30 (Contemporary) and 11:00 AM (Blended).  We hope to see you there!

Guard Your Lips!

"Gracious speech is like clover honey - good taste to the soul; quick energy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24 (MSG)

"I've learned to be careful of becoming a critic.  Criticism really sours your heart."  James MacDonald

Body of Christ: Pray for OK, Give to OK

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2

"But since you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you - see that you also excel in this grace of giving."  2 Corinthians 8:7

This Sunday at Walnut St, we will accept cash and check donations for the victims of this week's Oklahoma disaster in week 2 of our series, "Walking the Walk."  What better way to walk the walk of the Christian life than to help those in their darkest hour of need?  If you would like to make a credit card donation to the United Methodist Committee on Relief - US Disaster Response, please click here.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness."

Pray for OK

Words - and, to a lesser extent, deeds - are largely inadequate to provide a meaningful measure of comfort for the people who suffered the devastating losses we saw today in Moore, Oklahoma. Let's pray this week for the families affected as they start working to rebuild and recover.

If you're looking for a practical way to help the victims, you can make an online donation to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund here, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Every Member, a Minister

"A group of people were discussing their churches not so long ago, and one of the people in our congregation was part of the bunch.  Apparently, people judge the size of a church by the number of ministers it has, so they were comparing notes.  One church had two.  Another had three, and still another four.  Then they asked the man from our church how many ministers his church had.  Without hesitation, he said 'A little over seven thousand.'  He hit the nail on the head - at our church, every member is a minister.  Every person is called to serve."

- Treasures of the Transformed Life, John Ed Mathison (Abingdon Press, p. 249)*

Join us this Sunday at Walnut St UMC for the second week in our latest series, "Walking the Walk," 8:15 (Traditional), 9:30 (Contemporary) and 11:00 AM (Blended).  We hope to see you there!

*Thanks to Martin Quanci for sharing!

Living Water, Real Power

"But whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.  The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  John 4:14 (ESV)

Last night at the final meeting of our Just Walk Across the Room small group, a young woman (fairly new to our church) spoke candidly about her struggle to lose weight.  She told us that being overweight was causing some potentially serious health problems and that she had recently become convicted that she needed to lose weight - to get into a better state of health and, more importantly, to better honor the God who created and loves her.

She told us about how proud she was that in the last six weeks, she has only missed her daily exercise routine once (last Friday; she had doctor's appointments and attended her friend's Mother's funeral).  And we were incredibly proud and happy for her.  You can really hear in her voice how serious she is about losing the weight.  Very powerful.

She shared two Scriptures with us that she has continually prayed over since making the decision to lose weight and get into better physical shape:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

"I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing."  John 15:5

Don't these really say it all about the Christian life?  In a world that offers false hope and disappointments daily, God promises power and strength in Jesus Christ for our lives.  And it's amazing the difference He makes in our lives when we walk with Him, along His path.  Why go it alone?  We don't have to!  Pray this prayer today:

"Lord, it's another day, to be filled with challenges to meet and decisions to be made.  Lord, I pray that you will fill me with your Spirit so I might make wise decisions and honor you today.  Thank you for Jesus, Lord.  Thank you that I don't have to go it alone, in my own power.  Thank you that you share your power with me in Jesus Christ.  Through you, I can do all things.  Bless me to your service today, Lord.  Amen!"

Welcome, "Just Walk Across the Room" Small-Groupers!

Welcome to the Acts 2 Study Group blog! We are a small group of Christians at Walnut Street United Methodist Church in Chillicothe, Ohio, committed to helping make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

The Acts 2 Study Group meets the first Sunday of each month from 6 to 7:30 PM at Walnut Street UMC.  Child care is provided.  Wherever you are in your walk with Jesus, from novice Christian to senior believer, please accept our invitation to join us as we explore God's Word and the history of the early church.  It will change your life.

For more information, please E-mail WalnutStActs2@gmail.com or contact Jeff Lehner at 740-851-7090.  And if you would like to sign up for daily E-mail updates, please enter your E-mail address in the box in the upper right corner of the page.

On Giving & Stewardship

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Matthew 6:21

"When we give, we are saying, 'I don't want to worship my wealth; I want to worship with my wealth!'"  Mark Driscoll

Pray this prayer today:

"Lord, thank you for the ability to earn money and build wealth.  Make me wise to be a good steward of the gifts with which you have blessed me.  God, you are the source of wealth and wisdom, bless my life, my work and my ministry to your service to advance your Kingdom causes, now and forever.  Amen!"

Acts 2:14-21 (MSG)

"That's when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency.  'Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight.  These people aren't drunk as some of you suspect.  They haven't had time to get drunk - it's only nine o'clock in the morning.  This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen:

'In the last days,' God says,
'I will pour out my Spirit
on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy,
also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
When the time comes,
I'll pour out my Spirit
on those who serve me, men and women both,
and they'll prophesy.
I'll set wonders in the sky above
and signs on the earth below:
Blood and fire and billowing smoke,
the sun turning black and the moon blood-red,
Before the day of the Lord arrives,
the Day tremendous and marvelous;
and whoever calls out for help
to me, God, will be saved.'"

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?"

An Audience of One

"The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."  1 Corinthians 2:14

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will."  Romans 12:2

"Do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them."  1 John 2:15

The world is an audience of many.  But God is an Audience of One.  The world offers problems and stress.  God offers peace and rest.  He deserves our best focus and attention.  Pray this prayer today:

"Lord, help me today to focus on Kingdom things, not worldly things.  Help me not to be jealous or bitter.  Help me not to be foolish and unwise.  God, I know you have good plans for me and I thank you that when I walk along your path, good things are coming my way.  Thank you for your grace and your friendship, and help me be a light for others.  I know the world is not as you intended it to be, but I also know that in your strength, I can help make a difference - in my home, in our church, at work and in our community.  My heart is open and I am willing; please use me for your Kingdom purpose today and every day.  Amen!"

Let Your Light Shine

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."  Ephesians 4:1

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16

We were saved as part of God's plan for us.  Ask yourself today, "Are the grace and love of Jesus Christ evident in my life?  What can I do to better let my light shine in God's Kingdom for His purpose?"

Join us this Sunday at Walnut St UMC for the first week in our new series, "Walking the Walk," 8:15 (Traditional), 9:30 (Contemporary) and 11:00 AM (Blended).  We hope to see you there!

James 1:22

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says."

Walk!

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8

"Faith is measured by your life, not your lips."  Tony Evans

Join us this Sunday at Walnut St UMC for the first week in our new series, "Walking the Walk," 8:15 (Traditional), 9:30 (Contemporary) and 11:00 AM (Blended).  We hope to see you there!

Acts 2:47

"...praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

The Acts 2 Study Group meets the first Sunday of each month from 6 to 7:30 PM at Walnut Street UMC. Child care is provided. Wherever you are in your walk with Jesus, from novice Christian to senior believer, please accept our invitation to join us as we explore God's Word and the history of the early church. It will change your life.

For more information, please E-mail WalnutStActs2@gmail.com or contact Jeff Lehner at 740-851-7090!

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Welcome to the Acts 2 Study Group Blog!

Welcome to the Acts 2 Study Group blog! We are a small group of Christians at Walnut Street United Methodist Church in Chillicothe, Ohio, committed to helping make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

The Acts 2 Study Group meets the first Sunday of each month from 6 to 7:30 PM at Walnut Street UMC.  Child care is provided.  Wherever you are in your walk with Jesus, from novice Christian to senior believer, please accept our invitation to join us as we explore God's Word and the history of the early church.  It will change your life.

For more information, please E-mail WalnutStActs2@gmail.com or contact Jeff Lehner at 740-851-7090.