Wilderness

9-8-2014         Mark 1:12-13

S.       12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

O.      Jesus is tempted by satan in the wilderness. Mark does not give any details of the temptation but notes the wild beasts and Angels being present.

A.      Temptation comes to every life. Being tempted is not a sin but giving in to temptation is. This world is a wilderness full of wild beasts and temptation to sin is everywhere. We must hold fast to the knowledge that Jesus overcame temptation as an example for us to follow.

P.       Father: lead me not into temptation but deliver me from this evil world. Amen.

Seek and Tell

9-1-2014         Acts 28:17-22   Labor Day

S.       17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

O.      Paul is now in Rome and he meets with the Jewish leaders to share with them the reason of his arrest. A time is set to hear Paul’s defence and to learn about the Christian sect.

A.      We must actively seek out people and tell them our testimony. The message of salvation is needed today. People are hurting, sick and afraid and we have the message of hope, healing and love. I will share!

P.       Father; guide my steps today to those that need your love, hope, healing and salvation. Increase my courage and help me speak. Amen.

Meeting Jesus

8-21-2014      Acts 26:12-15

S.       12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

O.      Paul is on a journey to Damascus to arrest Christians and it is at this time he encounters Jesus.

A.      I have encountered Jesus and I know what Paul was talking about. When you meet Jesus you are forced to make a choice. Will you believe or will you turn away? Will you embrace or reject? I believe and embrace Jesus! I trade my sin for forgiveness, my shame for joy and my soul for salvation. I am no longer my own, I am his.

P.       Father; I am yours; I seek to do your will as I surrender my entire being to you. Amen.

Open Doors

8-17-2014      Acts 25: 22-27

S.       22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

O.      Festus brings Paul into the court room a third time, this time to establish a letter of explanation to send along with Paul to Rome. Agrippa is present.

A.      Each step of Paul’s life is filled with new opportunities to tell his story to new people. We must tell and re-tell our story as well. Tell your story to as many as you can.

P.       Father; Thank you for receiving me into your family. Thank you for forgiving me my sin. Thank you for directing my steps. Help me Lord to tell others just how good you have been to me. Amen.

Resurrection

8-11-2014      Acts 24:10-16

S.       10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

O.      Paul gives his defence before Felix. He begins with a reference to the Jewish belief in resurrection and how he too has that same hope and faith.

A.      The power of resurrection is alive and stirring my heart today. I declare the resurrection of Jesus from the grave and then my own resurrection from sin. I rejoice in this truth and shout it out loud; I have been resurrected (born again) from my grave of sin and now I live in and through Jesus, The Christ!

P.       Father; Thank you for raising Jesus from the tomb and thank you for calling me out of the grave. Amen.

God Who Cares

8-7-2014         Acts 23:11

S.       11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

O.      The Lord prepares Paul’s heart for his ministry in Rome.

A.      God does not want us to live in fear over the duties of the ministry. He speaks to us from his word, by the Spirit and through his faithful servants. I will listen and obey the directions of God!

P.       Father; use me as you will this day, to help, to heal, to guide and to comfort your people. Heal the e-bola victims around the world. Cause that terrible disease to be eradicated from the face of the earth. Protect the minds of your people from fear and give rest to the weary laborer. Amen. 

Instructions Please!

7-30-2014      Acts 22:9-10

S.       9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

O.      The light of God surrounds Paul and his company and he asks, “What shall I do, Lord”.

A.      I must ask God for instruction each and every day.

P.       Father; what would you have me to do today, where should I go, what should I say? Lead me by your Holy Spirit to do your perfect will. Amen.  

No Pain

7-20-2014      Acts 20:36-38

S.       36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

O.      Paul is leaving, for the last time, his friends and going to Jerusalem. This is the cause of great sorrow.

A.      Separation brings in heavy hearts, tears, and sorrow. Love that binds us together will never disappear from our hearts and minds even when we are miles apart. One of the great joys of Heaven……no separation….ever. The more we love, the more separation hurts.

P.       Father; wash all my sin away. If sin separates me from you, I hate sin, I denounce sin and I open myself to your presence that I may live forever in your Grace and never be separated from you. Amen.

Keeping in Touch

7-5-2014         Acts 18:18-28

S.       18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

O.      Paul is caring for all the churches and all the believers in several places. Apollos is instructed and trained. Paul continues to reach out to many Jews and teach them that Jesus is the “Christ” that they are looking for.

A.      Helping other Christians and holding other Christians up is a vital part of being a man of God. I will do my part to help as many as I can, as long as I can and be like Paul. Life is full of battles that leave us weary worn and sad. I will praise the Lord in, and through them all.

P.       Father; guide my steps today to the ones that I can help, to the ones that I can lift up and encourage. I praise you, I exalt you. You are worthy of all Glory, Majesty, and Honor. Amen.

Hard Days

7-2-2014         Acts 18:5-8

S.       5 And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

O.      Paul reaches out to the Jews first but they will not accept the message. Here Paul declares that he will go to the Gentiles. The Corinthian church is established in the home of Justus.

A.      We must continue to try and reach people that appear to be against our message. As long as there is life there is hope. Our efforts may be rejected and even opposed but we must never give up on anybody. We must endure to the end of our days. Leading people to Jesus is worth any effort.

P.       Father in Heaven; relieve my pain and worry and replace these with joy and peace. The task seems too large and the load too heavy. I will step out in faith to declare your word. Open the doors of opportunity for this day and please be waiting on the other side of each door to guide my steps. Amen. Lord; please keep the family of my dear friend Ray close to your heart today. You called him home to be with you yesterday. We all know that he is with you but there is still sorrow and pain in our hearts at his passing. Help us to be strong for each other. Amen.

Friends

7-1-2014         Acts 18:1-4

S.       1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

O.      In Corinth Paul joins together with Aquila and his wife Priscilla……and the work goes on.

A.      It is a great blessing to have help and fellowship with others. I am grateful for all the people that I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside.  I learn, I grow and I even rest because of these wonderful men and women of God. I am blessed.

P.       Father: Thank you for all my friends. Please send special blessings to each of them today. Send them a double portion of joy, a double portion of peace and remind them of how much they are loved. Amen.

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.

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.

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.               

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. 

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. 

A Long-term Plan

5-31-2014      Acts 13:24-26

S.       24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

O.      Salvation preached to the Jews by John the Baptist is Paul’s reference point.

A.      We must connect the events God uses in our history to reveal the relevance of the place we are standing in today.

P.       Father; show us your hand at work in the past and today. Help us see your on-going efforts to save, keep and bless your children. Amen.