3-8-2017 Wisdom

This is the next to last night of this revival. I have preached about Faith, The Heart, The Presence of God and tonight it is Wisdom.The need for wisdom in our lives is quite evident. We find ourselves in the middle of problems, debt, pain and grief because we don't use wisdom. God has wisdom to give us but we seldom ask for it. "You have not because you ask not" applies to wisdom as well as the temporal, transit and the consumable. "Ask and you shall receive" is a way to start finding wisdom. Finding wisdom will aid in the application of wisdom, After all; what good are things we don't use.

May we all slow down just enough to hear the voice of God.......applied wisdom!

Culture Shift?

How many times do events happen before they become a part of the culture? These rioters around the country don't seem to realize that they are building a culture of destruction that will condemn their race for generations to come. All thru history when a group of people establish this type of culture the surrounding peoples have wiped them out. I hope they wake up and see the error of their actions before it's too late. Even if they don't go to jail they will "reap what they sow". That my friend is how the story will end.

S.O.A.P.

4-29-2015           Luke 1:1-4

S.       1Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

O.      Luke greets Theophilus and explains his reason for this letter.

A.      It is good to explain our reasons for serving the Lord. By this method we can spread our faith and keep the standards high. In sharing our testimony we also will find common ground, and even error, that can be addressed. We are all in this fight together.

P.       Father; Grant me courage to speak of your wonderful works. Direct me to the ones that I should speak to today and fill my heart with your words. Amen. 

4-30-2015      Luke 1:5-13

S.       5There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.7And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.8And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,9According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.11And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.12And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

O.      An angel comes to announce the birth of John to Zacharias.

A.      One thing about the birth of John the Baptist was medically impossible: Zacharias and Elizabeth were too old to have children. This was set aside because of faith and faithfulness. When faith and faithfulness are put together anything can happen. I know that I have been faithful, always. I just need more faith……and……”faith comes by hearing, and, hearing comes by the Word of God”.

     P.       Father; Increase my faith, teach me faith and help me speak your Word IN FAITH! Amen. 

A Lying Tongue

The next thing on God's hate list is: A lying tongue. Pride is first and lying is next, but these two go together in many ways. Pride is the result of lying to yourself until you believe you are better than others. Then you keep the pride fed by lying to those around you. Since God Hates these things we had better keep them out of our lives.

S.O.A.P.

4-10-2015      Romans 14:13

S.       13Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

O.      Being an example to our weaker brothers.

A.      If I live after the example of Jesus I will not be a poor example of faith.

P.       Father; reveal my weakness that I may learn and grow. Amen.

4-11-2015      Romans 14:14-18

S.       14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is un-clean.15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

O.      I must consider those around me and where they are in their spiritual walk.

A.      To know and understand the weaknesses in my fellow man I must acquaint myself with the person, live with them, eat with them, fellowship with them. Then and only then can I share my faith at a high level and in a responsible manner.

P.       Father; bring me into close fellowship with those that I may serve as a shepherd should. Give me wisdom to minister as Christ would minister. Amen.

Healing Faith

I think my "believer" is out of whack. I am seeking for faith that will move mountains .... the real thing .... first church, blind eye opening, leprosy destroying, demon chasing .... FAITH! Pray for me to find it.


S.O.A.P.

3-26-2015      Romans 12:6-8

S.       6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

O.      How to use a gifting.

A.      The gift within me is from the Lord and I will minister (use) the gift in a holy manner. I will remember that the gift is to benefit the body of Christ.

P.       Father; use me Lord to win souls, encourage Saints and bless all I contact. Fill me with the oil of gladness as I praise you. Amen.

Tax Time

Render to Cesar the things that are Cesar's! Today I am starting my tax return ordeal. This task is often unpleasant to me because I prefer to be outdoors working and not shut in my office during day-light hours. I am thankful to have enough income to meet all my needs (and then some) and make this ordeal necessary. So; I will stop whining and get busy.

S.O.A.P.

2-11-2015      Romans 7:5-6

S.       For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

O.      Now, free from the law, man should live (serve) in the spirit and faith.

A.      I am made free from sin by confession and conversion. I will live in the Spirit and overcome sin by the power of Grace living in me.

P.       Father; show me how to live this sinless life and be an example to those around me. May all the glory and honor be given to you! Amen.

deep hurt

Praying for a Brother today that has a deep hurt. Asking God to lift him past this pain and set him free. He has carried this for many years and it effects every area of his life. He has a wall built around him and he keeps everyone out, even God. My heart breaks for this man, he is alone, in fear and knows little comfort or peace. God; please hear my plea; set my brother free and love him through me. Show him that the lie he is hearing is from satan (I never use a capital for satan), the father of all deception. Amen.

S.O.A.P.

1-5-2015         Romans 1:25-32

S.       25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

O.      These sins are unto death. No person active in these sins will be considered holy, righteous or a child of God. God calls them “reprobate”.

A.      This list of sins describes common practices of everyday America. I must warn as many as I can of the possibility of being condemned by God. Man must come to the place where he hates sin, all sin and especially sexual sin. The love of God is the only way of being set free from these sins. Please Lord; show the world your love through me.

P.       Father in Heaven; reach out to the people trapped in sexual sin and show them a way out, a path of deliverance, a holy and pure standing in your eyes. Keep me from being judgmental, hard or self-righteous when ministering to these deceived individuals. Amen.

EXCELLENCE (Virtue)

I want to serve my Lord in an "excellent" manner. Not to be seen of man and receive his rewards or accolades, but because this is what my Lord deserves. I will not settle for a "just getting by" attitude or "doing as little as possible" approach. I will strive for EXCELLENCE! (with God's help of course)
Less of me, replaced with more of him, even when I don't fit in.

12-11-2014    Mark 13: 9-11

S.       9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

O.      This is a warning concerning the treatment that the disciples would face in future ministry. They were instructed to rely on the Holy Ghost for their response to this harsh treatment.

A.      I must depend on the Holy Spirit for my responses to life’s challenges. Self-reliance is how I have failed, too much of my own will and confidence has landed me in my poorest estate. God fills with the Holy Spirit but I must yield.

P.       Father; I humble myself today and simply ask; Lead me by your Spirit. Amen.

SOAP >> Mark 12:1-11

Hi, welcome to my blog. If you haven't visited before I put up daily SOAPs. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. It's a great way to really take in God's word on a daily basis and make sure that your doing more than reading but really letting it soak into your life.

Mark 12:1-11

Scripture //

1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. 2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. 4 And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. 5 And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. 6 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. 7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. 8 And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. 9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. 10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: 11 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Observation //

The parable of the wicked husband man, the indictment of religious leaders.

Application //

Religious leaders must follow the will of God and reverence his methodology, message and his son. Man has destroyed his relationship with God by sinning. Through Jesus that relationship can be restored. As with Adam, who was placed in a garden, restored man is placed in a vineyard. If we obey God, tend the vineyard and render our increase back to God, then and only then will we be good servants.

Prayer //

Father; aid me in my struggle to be faithful to you in all areas of my life, to be a faithful servant and a living example of a good servant. Amen.

Which Spirit Do You Follow?

What spirit guides you? There is one that leads each person. We choose the spirit we follow. Most people are deceived and are not aware of the spirit world as science has replaced faith.  

11-11-2014    Mark 9:11-13

S.       11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? 12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

O.      Jesus addresses current doctrinal issues and declares the truth.

A.      Many doctrines are in conflict and bring confusion and division. I will seek to learn and obey God’s revealed word. When conflict occurs, and it will, the Bible will be my rule of faith and conduct.

P.       Father; I seek to know the truth and to live in purity before you. Fill me with the Spirit and Baptize me with Holy Fire. Amen.

ON THE WINNING TEAM!

What a great day to be serving the Lord. With a heart full of peace and a mind at rest we can enjoy each day. My soul was fully rested yesterday. My God honored his word as I honored his Sabbath.....all is well.

9-29-2014      Mark 3:28-

S.       28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: 30 because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

O.      Jesus tells of the un-forgivable sin.

A.      I must guard my mind and keep my thoughts aligned with the word of God. I will not call the work of the Holy Ghost the work of satan, nor compare the wicked to the good with any level of respect to the wicked.

P.       Father God; fill me to the full with the Holy Ghost as I surrender my life to your plan and purpose. Amen.. 

Jesus is calling

9-26-2014      Mark 3:13-19

S.       13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:16 And Simon he surnamed Peter;17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

O.      Jesus calls twelve men into his ministry.

A.      Jesus still calls people to follow him and serve in ministry. I have been called, I will follow.

P.       Father; renew my calling, lift my spirit and give me strength to obey. Heal my body of this pain and use me to heal others. Amen.

Sweet Jesus

9-7-2014         Mark 1:9-11

S.       9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

O.      Jesus is baptized in the river Jordan and the Spirit falls on him in the form of a dove. God speaks: “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”.

A.      All three of the Holy Trinity are revealed here; Jesus, God and the Holy Ghost. God sends all the power of Heaven to the ones he loves and calls. What a privilege to be called by God to become his child. God is my help, my guide, my motivation, my joy, my crown and my all. I am blessed.

P.       Father; Thank you for calling me and giving me hope. Amen.

River Jordan

9-6-2014         Mark 1:7-8

S.       7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

O.      John declares that Jesus will come and baptize man with the Holy Ghost.

A.       Repentance brings a person into right standing with God. The Holy Ghost is the ambassador of God who dwells in man to aid him in his new walk.

P.       Father; baptize me fresh today and renew my spirit. Amen.

Protection

8-28-2014      Acts 27:38-44

S.       38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

O.      Day breaks and the sailors see land and a place to take the ship to land. The ship runs aground and is broken up. To save Paul’s life all the prisoners are told to swim or float on parts of the ship to shore. All aboard made it safe to the shore.

A.      God’s protection for us can be extended to those around us. If we are living as willing and obedient servants our journey can be a testimony to those around us. We must follow the Lord in a humble manner and “be” that testimony.

P.       Father; my request is to see and know your will for this day. I submit to your will and ask you to send your Holy 

Spirit to direct me as I go. Amen. 

Listen to God!

8-27-2014      Acts 27:9-37

S.       9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands strake sail, and so were driven.18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

O.      The journey is filled with danger and hardship. God gives Paul knowledge; if all the people stay together, none shall die. The sailors and soldiers do all within their human strength to overcome the terrible storm and save the ship.

A.      Humans will go to great length to make things turn out the way they want them to go. Trusting God is seldom the direction taken. We must first believe in God as the “only true source” of help and direction. Then we must listen to his direction and obey his voice.

P.       Father; speak to me from your word and declare your will. Direct me by your Holy Spirit in all matters of life, both great and small. Amen. 

Ordinary Days?

8-26-2014           Acts 27:1-8

S.       1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

O.      Paul’s final leg of his journey to Rome begins under Julius, a understanding and fair, centurion.

A.      These were long weary days of difficult travel. Changing ships often, uncomfortable lodgings and many schedule disruptions. No great miracles or events are mentioned, just ordinary life and struggles. We must face days like these often and keep our faith strong and our joy intact. God is the God of the ordinary day just as he is in the day of miracles.

P.       Father; Keep me strong and encouraged through the ordinary days of life. Help me to show your joy to others and be an example of a happy servant. Amen.

Stand up

8-22-2014      Acts 26:16-18

S.       16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

O.      Jesus is speaking to Paul on the road to Damascus. Arise and stand on your feet are his first command.

A.      we must stand and declare our message. We must tell the world of the love of God and how God deals directly with his children.

P.       Father: I ask for courage and guidance for this day to spread the gospel. Fill me with your Spirit and use me. Amen.

A way of escape

8-8-2014         Acts 23:12-35

S.       12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.25 And he wrote a letter after this manner:26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:33 Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; 35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

O.      Paul, as a prisoner, starts his trip to Rome after a plot to kill him is revealed to the arresting captain.

A.      God will protect us as we labor for him and live a life pleasing in his sight. I will not fear the enemy, with all his clamor and intimidation, my God is my safety, my shield and my supply.

P        Father; I worship you today as my “everything” and my “all”. I trust in you to keep me through every trouble and trial. I will declare you as Lord. Amen.

Baptized

8-1-2014         Acts 22:16

S.       16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

O.      Paul is baptized.

A.      Why do I hold back from the things of God? My life would be so much better if I would trust and obey. I will search the scripture and live as they instruct me to live. I will obey God!

P.       Father; I entrust myself to you and you alone. Wash me clean and instruct me through your word. Show me my path for this day. Amen.