---

Bible Reading Plan

Reading Plan: Acts 4:1-13

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

•••

Daily Devotional: A Little Sprinkle and a Little Shine

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

When I was 10 years old, my mom assigned me the task of making the instant mashed potatoes. Seriously, what could go wrong? So simple. But my very proper mother spat the mouthful into her napkin. “Do you know the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon? Small t is for the little one, and capital T is for the large one?” Too much salt.

A tablespoon of salt tastes horrible when the recipe calls for a teaspoon of salt.

Growing up Catholic, I was taught that our faith was private and overzealous Evangelists were like too much salt, just with Jesus, “too much Jesus.” This upbringing made me reluctant to share about my faith because I viewed it as overbearing. Reading this scripture after attending Willow Creek was like sprouting the wings of my faith. I could be a sprinkle of salt, giving flavor to a conversation. I didn’t have to be loud and forceful. For instance, I met a tour guide named Josh, a self-proclaimed atheist. I began a discussion with, “You are the true embodiment of your biblical name! Joshua! You are a bold adventurer, joyfully and confidently leading people to new places. Are your family church goers?” We spoke for a while about spiritual things. A small amount of salt enhances the taste.

Sometimes a headlight from a car coming towards me hits me just right, and I have to avert my eyes. Again, I compare this to my impression of persistent Evangelists who my Catholic roots looked on with distrust. But this scripture describes a lamp, not a spotlight. I can be a candle flame in a dark world. At the Care Center, a person relates all the problems they are facing. My prayer words over them begin with the life details they just described. It’s a tiny glow, but it moves them. There is a visceral response to being truly heard. In the dark, even a tiny flashlight is a welcome relief.

We are called to let the light of the Holy Spirit shine through our lives so that it attracts people to God the Father. It’s helpful to picture yourself internally illuminated by the Holy Spirit and radiating light effortlessly. Well, that’s the goal at least.  

I rarely have a big agenda for myself in evangelism. My Catholic roots run deep. After a minor intentional interaction, I frequently smile to myself and think, “Bein’ salt and light, a little sprinkle and a little shine.”

Next Steps

Has the children’s song “This Little Light of Mine” been circling in your head? I did not grow up with it, so I have the Bruce Springsteen version to share with you!