Difficult Message

6-30-2014      Acts 17:24-34

S.       24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;27That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.32And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.33So Paul departed from among them.34Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

O.      Paul finishes his message in Athens with mixed results. He declares that God created everything and that Jesus rose from the dead to redeem lost souls. This point of resurrection was not received well and was the disruptive end to his dialogue.

A.      Many people will listen to our message until there is a reference to the supernatural. We must be prepared to proclaim the facts about the Life, death and the resurrection of Jesus, the whole story, the complete story without modification or omission.

P.       Father; Fill my heart and mind with your word. Help me to remember each detail as I share today. Walk with me in the fullness of your spirit. Amen.

Worship re-directed.

6-29-2014      Acts 17: 22-23

S.       22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

O.      Paul declares the “unknown God” to the people of Athens.

A.      People are very superstitious and will worship or follow after some form of belief. We can use their curiosity to introduce them to God.

P.       Father; I will reveal you to as many people as I can to bring as many as possible into your kingdom. Fill me with the joy of my salvation that I may be a living example to everyone I meet. Amen.

New Teachings

6-28-2014      Acts 17:16-21

S.       16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

O.      Paul preaches at Athens and his message is very new to these people.

A.      We must spread the message of Jesus to people who have never heard his teachings.

P.       Father; fill me with the words that can reach those who have never heard your message. Lead me by your Holy Spirit to the ones that I may be a comfort to. Amen.

Trouble is Trouble

6-27-2014      Acts 17:13-15

S.       13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timothy abode there still.15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timothy for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

O.      Trouble is following Paul from Thessalonica to Berea. Satan will use people to hinder the gospel message every time he can. Moving from place to place spread the message at a fast pace.

A.      I must be prepared for opposition in my ministry. Trouble and opposition are nothing more than proof that I am stirring up Satan. He does not fight or hinder his own followers. Satan must sure hate me. I hope he always will.

P.       Father; I seek more boldness and courage to fight Satan longer and harder than ever. You are my rock and my salvation. I put my trust in you. I renounce my sin and claim Jesus as my Lord. Amen.

Honorable People

6-26-2014      Acts 17:10-12

S.       10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

O.      Many people in Berea listen to Paul and receive his message.

A.      I must keep sharing the gospel wherever I may go. Souls are saved, lives changed and God will lift up the oppressed.

P.       Father; lead me today in all that I say and do. May I represent you and you alone, throughout this blessed day! Amen,

New Town, Same Message.

6-25-2014      Acts 17:1-9

S.       1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

O.      Thessalonica is the next city to hear the news of Jesus. Once again trouble is stirred up by un-believing Jews.

A.      Some will hear and believe and others will reject the message of Jesus. I must remember it is Jesus they are rejecting and not to be offended.

P.       Father; renew my energy, fill my heart and lead me to the ones that will hear and believe. Amen.

Speaking of Crime.

6-24-2014      Acts 16:35-40

S.       35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. 36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

O.      Paul makes it clear to the magistrates that he was wrongly beaten and put in jail but he does not seek retribution. Paul spends some time back in the home of Lydia before leaving town.

A.      Being wronged and treated badly is an unpleasant part of life. How we react to this treatment is a reflection on our Christianity and our God. Paul spoke out and exposed the truth of his ill-treatment but did not strike back. I must leave the punishment of wrongdoing to God and stay busy spreading the gospel.

P.       Father; I give the ones who have wronged me to you to deal with. Help me to keep a loving and forgiving attitude towards each one. Touch my spirit and clear away the bad memories. Show me your path for this day and strengthen my body for the tasks ahead. Amen.

Praise at midnight

6-23-2014      Acts 16:25-34

S.       25  And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

O.      The singing of praise rang out in the worst of conditions and brought freedom from prison, salvation and comfort to the physical body. This was not choreographed, rehearsed and filed for copyright. It was soulful and pure, a praise out of the heart.

A.      I will praise God in all situations from my heart and my head. I will direct my spirit, my emotions and attitudes into praise filled encampments where joy, peace and freedom abide. My God is worthy of praise.

P.       Father; I sing praise unto you, songs of joy, songs of peace, songs of love. You are my God, my King, my Lord and my all. Worthy, Wonderful, Holy and full of Grace is my God. I bring the sacrifice of praise. Amen.               

Money, Money, Money

6-22-2014      Acts 16:20-24

S.       20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

O.      Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten and put in jail for casting out the evil spirit of a local witch.

A.      The issue in this case was the fear that money would be lost that was derived from the witches soothsaying. No rejoicing because of a life is set free from oppression, no happy singing and dancing over a soul being un-chained…..just anger and rage because “profit” is disturbed. I must remember to see the “soul” inside the oppressed person and seek to set that soul free, even at the expense of profit or gain.

P.       Father; remind me to look beyond the surface, into the very soul of the ones I am ministering to. Fill me with compassion and love for the bound, chained and lost souls. Wash my mind free of earthly values and sinful lust for money, power and control. Help me to value each person as you do. Amen. 

Erasing the Lines

6-20-2014      Acts 16:11-15

S.       11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

O.     Paul travels to Philippi where his ministry began with an all women group at the river and ends up in the home of Lydia.

A.      God has never set women as “second class” believers. Our ministry should be motivated by the Holy Spirit and never by societal banes. This is a “whosoever” message so I must be a “whosoever” minister.

P.       Father; set me free from the chains of social class, racism and all man-made mores. Open my eyes to see others as you see them and fill my heart to love them as you do. Amen.  

New Places

6-19-2014      Acts 16:5-10

S.       5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

O.      Proper doctrine and unity lead to church growth. Paul keeps spreading the message of Jesus in the places he is directed to go by the Holy Spirit. God gives Paul a vision concerning Macedonia.

A.      The leadership of the Holy Spirit is essential to the effective spreading of the gospel message. None of the disciples of Jesus in the early church attempted to minister without the Holy Spirit. Today the need for the gospel is greater than ever, more people equals more need. So the need to be Spirit Filled is greater than ever.

P.       Father; fill me to the overflowing with your Holy Spirit. I surrender my all to you and seek to do your will perfectly throughout this day. Amen. 

More Help

6-18-2014      Acts 16:1-4

S.       1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

O.      Paul takes on Timothy as his student/helper here. Timothy is circumcised (no explanation is given as to why Timothy did not fall under the decision made at Jerusalem) and the group moves on to spread the word and the results of the Jerusalem council.

A.      God will place certain people in our lives that are to work alongside us. Working together can bring better result with less strain on a single individual. As we learn to depend on each other we gain better understanding about depending on God. The goals are unity, harmony and peace. These are in short supply in today’s me-istic society.

P.       Father; grant me wisdom and discernment to recognize which individuals I am to work beside. Speak into my spirit your holy instruction that I will know when to be student and when to be teacher. Amen.  

Who To Trust?

6-16-2014      Acts 15: 30-36

S.       30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

O.      The decision of Jerusalem is well received by all the churches and the ministry prospers.

A.      Unity also builds trust and obedience. God wants me to trust, trust Him and my fellow laborers in the cause of Christ. Trust is the mortar that holds the church together.

P.       Father; show me how to live so that others can trust me. Teach me how to trust and who to trust. Amen.

Take a stand

6-15-2014      Acts 15: 24-29   (Father’s Day 2014)

S.       24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

O.      This is the letter sent out from the Jerusalem Council.

A.      We do well when we come to a place of understanding and unity. Unity is a central theme of Heaven. We can therefore have “heaven on earth” when we establish and foster unity. (Pride must die for unity to be complete)

P.       Father; Make me into a man of peace and a builder of unity. Amen.

A matter settled.

6-14-2014      Acts 15:13-23

S.       13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:14 Simon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

O.      James announces his approval of the decision and reminds the council of scriptures concerning fornication and idol worship and blood disposal. This pleased the council and word is returned to Paul’s churches.

A.      Sharing the council of others is a good thing. “In the multitude of councilors let every matter be established”. I must not isolate myself from the wisdom of my contemporaries. They are a fountain of experience to be shared.

P.       Father; lead me to men and women that are full of life, joy, peace and the Love of God. Help me to listen, learn and glean their wisdom. Give me discernment as a filter and memory of the vital. Amen. 

Trouble

6-13-2014      Acts 15:4-12

S.       4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

O.      The leaders of the church gather together to decide the doctrine that will be followed. This was a long hard debate and it took a while but it was settled and they all remained together on the matter.

A.      A growing church will need doctrine and a method to keep that doctrine pure. Man will often try to adapt doctrine to fit into contemporary situations and address the problems of his day. Doctrine formed by a single person must be declared and debated by many to test that doctrine and establish its validity.

P.       Father; lead me to the doctrines that I must declare and live by. Keep me from empty self-justifying prideful arrogance that builds barriers between me and others. Help me draw people to you. Amen.    

Doctrine

6-12-2014      Acts 15:1-3

S.       1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

O.      This clash of doctrine sends Paul to Jerusalem to settle the matter. Along the way to Jerusalem Paul shares the news of gentile conversion and this brings much joy.

A.      Joy should always be the product men’s lives being saved by faith in Jesus. Doctrines are a necessary product of growth and development within the church.

P.       Father; lead me to people that I can help find salvation and joy. Give me the message and the method to properly share your love, hope and joy through Jesus. Amen. 

Three days of S.O.A.P.

6-9-2014         Acts 14:19-20

S.       19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

O.      Trouble makers follow Paul and stir up anger against him. Paul is stoned and given up for dead but he did not die.

A.      Trouble may follow me from place to place so I must be consistent and steadfast in my mission and be prepares to suffer if necessary.

P.       Father; give me strength, courage and determination to finish my course. Amen.

6-10-2014      Acts 14: 21-23

S.       21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

O.      Paul re-visits several churches to confirm their leaders and remind them that the work may be difficult and dangerous. He also reminds them to look to God in all matters.

A.      It is a good practice to review our position and ideas about God and our mission in life.

P.       Father; open my eyes to the path ahead and remind me of how I have arrived in the place where I am right now. Amen.

6-11-2014      Acts.  14:24-28

S.       24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

O.      Paul and his company arrive back at Antioch and share reports concerning this journey.

A.      I will share my experiences with my friends and declare the mighty works of God. Every blessing should be shared.

P.       Father; May my sharing give all the glory to you and you alone. Remind me Lord of the details so that I am accurate in my sharing. Amen.

Use me, Lord

6-8-2014         Acts 14:11-18

S.       11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

O.      After this healing the people wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas. Paul stops this action by explaining that it was God’s work moving through him.

A.      I want god’s works moving through me. I must live a life that God can use. I must have enough compassion for the lost that my focus is not distracted to the trivial matters of every day.

P.       Father; renew in me a sharp focus on the spiritual and at the same time dim the glare of daily life needs. Use me Lord to reach the lost souls all around me. Amen.  

Healing

6-7-2014         Acts 14:8-10

S.       8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

O.      This is an instant miracle at the hand of Paul.

A.      God does not change and is no respecter of persons. I can be used to bring healing today.

P.       Father; use me in the gift of healing to bring glory to your son Jesus. Let none of the glory rest on me. Amen.  

Three days

6-4-2014         Acts 14:1

S.       1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

O.      Everywhere the disciples traveled they keep telling the message of Jesus.

A.      The message of Jesus is needed today. I will speak about Jesus everywhere I go. I will speak what I know….his life, his death, his resurrection, his love for me, his forgiveness and his peace.

P.       Father; renew me today in the joy of my salvation. As I speak may my words bring life and peace! Amen.

6-5-2014         Acts 14:2-3

S.       2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

O.      People with conflicting views will struggle and act as enemies. When resistance arises Christians must maintain their efforts and depend on God to confirm their words with signs and wonders.

A.      The work of the Lord is often heavy and difficult but I must be steadfast and loyal. God will not forget me in my time of need. I will, I will, I will keep on marching.

P.       Father; I lift my voice to you in praise and adoration. I am weak and afraid because of my enemies. They have attacked from every direction….the battle is long. Touch my enemies with your love today. Amen.

6-6-2014         Acts 14:4-7

S.       4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:7 And there they preached the gospel.

O.     Strife will lead to division and division can lead to evil actions. When the plans were set to kill the disciples they fled to safety and spread the gospel in new places.

A.      When life’s troubles bring us to flight we should keep up our efforts to spread the gospel. We lose our job and have difficult times. Our family and friends let us down. Our health and strength fail. All these bring change into our life (unwanted) but “change” can be an open door to tell the message in a different place to different people.

P.       Father in Heaven; use me in every situation, every trial and every difficulty to share your love and the message of salvation. Amen.

Don't Miss Your Chance!

6-3-2014         Acts 13:44-52

S.       44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

O.      This is where Paul turns his attentions to Gentile populations.

A.      When people continue to turn away from the message I must refocus on another group. All must hear the story of Jesus.

P.       Father; lead me to the people that I can help. Give me discernment to know when it is time to move on. Amen. 

No Corruption

6-2-2014         Acts 13:34-43

S.       34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

O.      Paul explains how that Jesus is different from King David. Paul is trying to show the Jews who Jesus really is, their messiah. Many Gentiles do believe and ask for more teaching concerning Jesus.

A.      Jesus died on the cross and was buried in a grave to pay the price for sin, my sin. His body did not decay and return to dust. He was resurrected and came to his followers alive and proved to them his identity with the nail prints in his hands and his pierced side. This victory is promised to me if I will believe and obey and serve God with a pure heart.

P.       Father; keep me pure, reveal to me anything that displeases you. I desire to be pleasing in your sight and to be a joy to you. It is my desire to live a holy life…….I commit to you my all, my everything; in and through the Holy Name of Jesus, my Lord, My Saviour and soon coming King. Amen.