Two Years in Jail

8-14-2014      Acts 24:24-27

S.       24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

O.      Paul has many opportunities to convert Felix to the faith. Felix never seems to understand or find it “convenient” to become a Christian. Paul was a prisoner for two years with Felix.

A.      We should never give up on anybody as we spread the gospel. Our circumstances may be unpleasant and not to our liking, but the work of the Lord should never stop.

P.       Father; the plight of Paul seems very unfair but you used him to take the gospel into many unreachable places. Help me Lord to focus on your work instead of my circumstances and difficulties. Teach me the same values that Paul lived by and keep me from distractions as I labor for you. Amen. 

I will Not be HURT!

7-27-2014      Acts 21:37-39

S.       37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?39But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

O.      The captain holding Paul finds out that he has the wrong man in custody. Paul still wants to speak to the very people that have hurt him.

A.      We must communicate with people if they are to learn who we really are. We must not lose our compassion and love for the ones that have hurt us.

P.       Father; cleanse my heart and mind of thoughts of retribution towards those that have hurt me. Teach me how to communicate love and forgiveness to each one. May people see more of you in me! Amen.

Spirit led

7-21-2014      Acts 21:1-13

S.       1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

O.      Paul is on his final journey to Jerusalem where he will be arrested and sent to Rome. He visits with followers of the Christian way as he makes this trip. In most places the Spirit reveals the up-coming difficulty for Paul. Paul declares his faith to all.

A.      The Holy Spirit will prepare our heart for the work of Christ. Why do we try to do this work without the leadership of the Holy Spirit? We must rely completely, trust completely and obey completely the Spirit, lest our labor be in vain and our life a waste.

P.       Father; I empty myself before you this day and I surrender my mind, soul and heart to your perfect will. Fill me with your spirit. Reveal your plan for this day and I will obey. Use me Lord to gather souls. 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.

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.  

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.