Day one, chapter one... already behind.

Well, leave it to me to take an entire 24 hours to forget my intentions. Now do you see why I didn't "pledge" to this?! ha ha Either way, here I am. Over 2 hours past my deadline... how about a big hurrah for better late than never? I will get better at this, I will, really! Have I convinced anyone yet? No? ... that's alright. I haven't entirely convinced myself yet either.

So, now we dig in.

Acts 1:

So, much to be said.

It starts out as a little story about Jesus returning for 40 days and His ascension into heaven.

There is a short bit of conversation that truly makes me happy.

Acts 1:6-8

6 "So, when they met together, they asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?'"

Is this not reminiscent of a child?! Christ at one point told them that the Kingdom would be restored unto Israel... the disciples cannot wait. I almost see a car full of children. Dad accidentally let it slip that the family is driving to Disney Land, all of the sudden sleepy kids in backseat buckles turn into broken records... "ARE WE THERE YET?!"

So, the disciples ask again... are you restoring Israel yet? Maybe, now? Although I'm sure there are things I do not comprehend about this simple verse or things that I do not know that I should be taking into account. However this verse, this small, short and to the point verse makes me feel much less alone in my childlike excitement and impatience with God. He's told me he has a plan and I know what I am called to in life. Sometimes I blow my cover and loose my cool..."God, are we there yet?!"

7 -8 " He said to them: ' It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'"

So, It doesn't matter how many times I ask God "Are we there yet?"... apparently it's supposed to be a secret. I dislike this. I know I should be a good Christian and say "In God's time not mine!" But guess what. I am human. I want to know. Yes, I will do everything I can to be fulfilled in God's timing but his doesn't mean that I will always go down without a fight. God made me, He of all people should understand the depth of my stubbornness. However, I am thankful to know that when the Holy Spirit pours over me I will receive the power of Christ. Power to witness to all the earth.

So, if I have been moved by the Holy Spirit and posses the Power to witness to all the world there is allot being covered. If I am witnessing to the world as a whole, that means I am not paying attention to generational differences, skin color, nationality, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, cultural customs, language or which version of the bible someone reads. Also, it means that I never say "Well, that's just not my type of ministry!" Because ministries (whatever they may be: Sexual abuse help, in church discipleship, teaching English, youth ministry Etc.) are all just a member of the body filling a need. If I am witnessing to the world, I am witnessing through all ministries. How do I put this in action? I plan to make a change. I am no longer wanting passionate about a ministry. I am just wanting to be passionate about God, and he loves all the ministries, so should I.

You know, I can tell that you are still thinking about the fact that I am not resolving to work on my stubbornness. In response to your possibly negative thoughts: Oh well, life is short and there are more important things for me to change and improve on when it comes to my personality and who I am in Christ. :)

The next thing that caught my eye was the heading for the next section of scripture. Just before verse 12 begins, the header states this: "Matthias chosen to replace Judas"

This strikes me. A member of the Body that was once serving a great life for Christ who strayed from the Holy intention for his life was simply replaced. It reminds me of a message given before flying out from training for my missions trip to Panama several years ago. The speaker was encouraging us, and building us up in our decision to follow God's call. I distinctly remember him saying "God called you to go, but guess what? If you were to tell God 'no!' He could still get the job done without you. If you are going to deny Christ he can find someone who will reply with a ready heart! But he wants YOU to be blessed and involved." This thought has stuck with me.

As a spoiled member of the body I have fallen into the trap of thinking that I, Jackie Poole, am absolutely irreplaceable. Sometimes, I think I even feel like some ministry wouldn't get done without me. Truth is - God can do anything he chooses. Including re-filling previously taken spaces in life. Judas wronged Christ, his position amongst the Disciples was filled by another, who was deemed appropriate for the spot. What am I a part of that is NOT completed :because: of me?... EVERYTHING. I am simply blessed to be used by God, my contribution to ministry is not something God couldn't conjure up on His own, He just wanted me to be apart of something bigger than myself.

With that, I am concluding. I hope that this made some sort of sense. If not... well, I apologize. My thoughts tend to ramble on when it's 3am.

Hoping for growth,

Jackie Poole