Shedding innocent blood

God hate's seven things. If he hates these so will I. He will need to teach me how to react to these seven things because I am sure I don't know how. The third thing listed is the shedding of innocent blood. Rockets and bombs flying into peoples homes and killing children would cover this. Bullets from gang fights, drunks driving, are just as bad. Dear Lord, teach us how to live in peace and love. 

S.O.A.P.

4-20-2015      Romans 15:17-21

S.       17I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.18For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.20Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:21But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

O.      Paul shares Jesus from Jerusalem to Illyricum to the Gentiles.

A.      I must share Jesus, not doctrine, not religion, not tradition, not church. Jesus is my message.

P.       Father; I invite you into my life. Come in and reside and transform me into the image of Christ. Amen.

Tertullus: The Mouthpiece of Satan

8-9-2014         Acts 24:1-5

S.       1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

O.      Tertullus begins his legal accusations against Paul in the court of Felix.

A.      Those that walk in righteousness may face prison, torment, shame and public disgrace. We must trust in God to fill our mouths with the words that will honor him. It is an honor to be called “a child of God”. May we walk worthy of this title, even in times of distress?

P.       Father; I commit myself to you, body, mind and spirit. I put my faith, trust and confidence in your ability to protect me. You are my God, I will serve no other. Amen.

Give to the poor.

7-19-2014      Acts 20:35

S.       35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

O.      Honest words about meeting the needs of others and the ultimate word on giving.

A.      Supporting the weak is more than money. Weakness comes to us when we are afraid, lonely and hurt. Supporting people in these times is just as important as filling their bellies. I will attempt to be there for the ones that are in these difficult times.

P.       Father; I see hurting people in every direction I look. I see hungry people in every direction I look. Guide me by your Holy Spirit in all my efforts to help and support. I am overwhelmed and inadequate for the task. I need you Father to fill me up and then pour me out. Amen.

Legal Defense

7-11-2014      Acts 19:21-41

S.       21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.39 But if ye enquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

O.      Christians are brought into conflict with the silversmiths of Ephesus and the riot is calmed by the Town Clerk.

A.      As we go about spreading the gospel we may encounter opposition. We must be instructed by the Holy Ghost as to our reactions and responses. God may use many different methods, as he did here, to remedy our troubles. I will trust in the Lord.

P.       Father; I will lean on you in my times of trouble to guide my reactions and to bring about my remedy. I trust in your Spirit to guide my steps and fill my mind and mouth. Save me, Lord, Amen.

Opposition

7-7-2014         Acts 19:8-10

S.       8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

O.      Paul moves the church members into a local school after members of the synagogue denounce the message of Jesus. All Asia is exposed to the gospel message.

A.      Paul did not rise up in anger and fight for his “rights”. He simply moved away from the opposition and continued to spread the gospel. Some will hear and accept and some will reject our message. Some will even try to stop the message altogether. We must never become discouraged or afraid because of opposition. Opposition is a sure sign that something is stirring the pot. The devil never fights with the ones on his side!

P.       Father; thank you for showing me Paul’s example. I will keep looking for people that will accept this wonderful message and not waste time with the rejecters.  Give me discernment to identify your children and wisdom to minister to their needs. Amen.