Sabbatical: Day 6

We entered the old city through the Jaffa Gate on foot heading to the Western Wall Tunnels. These old gates are still used for all traffic into and out of the old city. We yielded the right of way to several cars as they squeezed through the narrow way. Nearly every auto was scratched and dented from these gates. The tunnels are an active archaeological work site. The excavation covers the entire length of the western wall. At the bedrock level I placed my hands on the very first stone placed in the building of the wall. This stone weights 550 tons and was cut out of the mountain at the north end of Jerusalem and rolled on small round balls to it's current location.
These tunnels have massive rooms in the beginning and narrow to a six foot wide walk way along the base of the wall. About midway is a women's prayer area. This is just under the Holy of Hollies some 100 feet above. Prayer is made in this location at all times. There is a report that the prayer wall here is covering a large room which contains the Ark of the Covenant. This area will need several more years of excavation.

Our next stop was at the Western Wall prayer area. This is the same area we visited on the Sabbath. I made my way to the wall, praying as I went. In my hand were several dozen prayers and blessings written on small slips of paper and placed into an offering envelope from Elm Grove. (the envelope was covered with these also). I even had our prayer list from Sundays bulletin in there. Each step forward gave me a physical touch in my body. I was tired and sore from all the walking but step by step I was feeling stronger and stronger. I pushed the envelope into a large crack between two really large stones (I even took a selfie of this) and placed my hands over the place and began to pray. The Holy Spirit flowed in an almost melodic fashion and fire fell. My Lord was there with me, his hands were on me as I called out the names of every person I could think of. Joy flooded my soul and I knew that I had ascended above that Wall and into the throne room of  Almighty God in heaven. My body may have been at the Western Wall but my Spirit was with God. As I moved away from the wall, walking backward as not to turn my back to this holy place, I knew that each prayer and blessing was received by God. I know that in time will I will hear the reports of all that was sealed on this day.

I am amazed at the sight of Masada. Riding the cable car to the top was like flying on the wings of a bird. Below was the Dead Sea and all the wonderful agricultural achievements of the Jewish farmers and above was the Herodian Fortress. This is a large area of several acres with a summer palace on one end and a winter palace on the other, many storage rooms, quarters for soldiers, farmers and servants, swimming pool, armory and recreational area. On the south end of the plateau there is agricultural land and evidence that it was well used. I have never seen the movie "Masada" but most people have so I will not go into the history of the last stand of Jewish rebels against Rome. My spiritual interests were not focused too much on this location. One special note: There is a Scribe working in a small room making hand written copies of the Torah. I said "God Bless Your Work" and he stopped and ask my name and my wife's name. He then took a scrap of parchment and printed our names with a heart between them in Hebrew and slipped it through a slot in the glass. 

After Masada we took a break at a beach on the Dead Sea. Just a lot of black mud to me but the local people were rubbing this mud all over and they said it kept them young and beautiful. I just watched. 

Upon arriving back in Jerusalem we went straight to the southern wall steps where Pastor Hagee was to speak. There were several hundred people gathered and a television crew set up for a live feed back to America. We had church! Singing, worship, praying and preaching. The only thing missing.....no offering. Pastor spoke of the suffering of Jesus and how he has paid the price, the full price, for our salvation and our healing. I made a commitment to; share more, tell more and believe for more.  

Used up

I am ready to be "used up" for Jesus. At my age I know that my time is short on this earth so I am determined to give more, do more and care more than ever before. I want my fuel gauge to show that I emptied myself in the "living" of this life. 

9-16-2015      Luke 11:37-40

S.       37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed before dinner. 39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

O.      Jesus teaches about traditions.

A.      Jesus did not condemn the traditions of the Pharisees; he revealed the values that they were missing. Often our traditions are not completely Christ centered. I will examine all my traditions to be sure that they are.

P.       Father; give me the wisdom to evaluate all my traditions. Help me to improve or remove each one to keep Christ in the center of all I do. Amen.

I am Loved!

I am in awe of my Lord Jesus Christ. He went to the cross to die in my place. He never told a lie, broke his word, stole a meal, hurt his friends.......he never sinned. I stand amazed at his love for me, unmerited, undeserved and unlovable man I was, Jesus choose to be my salvation. He paid a price that I could never pay.......just because he loves me.

9-11-2015      Luke 11:23

S.       23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

O.      Jesus sets strict lines of division.

A.      I want to be with Jesus in every matter. I choose to make him my Lord, Saviour and King. I will resist the devil and all his army of evil.

P.       Father; anoint me with your Grace for power to overcome my enemies. Teach me how to love the sinner and hate the sin. Amen.

Tickets Please

Why would you buy a ticket for the Heavenly Express and never get on board? Better yet, why jump on and off at the station? If you are a traveler........get your ticket.......get on board......and stay there.

8-2-2015         Luke 8:19-21

S.       19 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. 20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

O.      Man must obey God’s words.

A.      I will live in God’s word. I will obey each and every day by its precepts: Love, forgiveness and peace.

P.       Father in Heaven; reveal yourself through my life. Amen.

Faith....do you have any?

I have faith, you have faith, everyone has faith. The Bible says so. Faith is in us as a gift from God. It is how we use that faith that makes the difference. One example: faith without works is "dead" faith. We must reveal our faith by the way we live, give and serve others. Believing that there is a God is only a part of what faith is all about. By applying faith to more and more of life's experiences (and relationships) we expand our understanding and we will see that faith "MUST" be "APPLIED" to be of any value to ourselves or those around us. 

S.O.A.P.

4-1-2015         Romans 13:1-7

S.       1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

O.      Proper respect is due to those in power. Paying taxes (tribute) is proper.

A.      God places those into power that he chooses. Our relationship to those leaders hinges on our honesty and integrity. If I live a holy life as a Christian I have nothing to fear from leaders.

P.       Father; I know that you set this world into motion and you are reaching out to man in many ways. Help me to be a living example of faith and love. Amen. 

My favorite day of the week!

Sunday morning is a happy time. Church, worship, fellowship and a slowed down day, what could be better? Hope to see you at Elm Grove today.

S.O.A.P.

1-18-2015      Romans 5:1-2

S.       1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

O.      A right stand with God is obtained through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. This brings joy and hope.

A.      Jesus gave his life for me on the cross. I ask for forgiveness of my sin based on that death. I live in hope and with great joy, knowing that I am his and he is mine.

P.       Father; I accept your gift of love even though I am unworthy. I give you my life, use me as you will. Amen.

Worry, Worry, Worry.

Worry is the "on ramp" to the freeway to failure. I can't change the weather, the national debt, radical Islam or your mind for you. What I can change is how much time I waste worrying over the impossible. I choose NOT to worry. I choose to trust God......Amen.

S.O.A.P.

1-17-2015      Romans 4:14-25

S.       14 for if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

O.      Like Abraham, all must come to God by faith and not by legalism.

A.      Faith must be used to increase and become strong. Faith will keep us from worry and fear and will aid us in our search for peace.

     P.       Father; my faith is in you, keep me from straying. Open my eyes and let me see. Amen.

Jesus will return!

Was Jesus a real person? Was he born of a virgin? Did he live a sinless life? Did he die on a Cross? Was he resurrected on the third day? Is he going to return? To each question I say yes! Each Sunday I gather together with others that believe the same as I do, we call it church. I like church. I worship, fellowship, preach and pray, receive encouragement, hug and enjoy my relationship with God and my fellow Christians. I don't enjoy everything that happens on Sunday, or should I say "doesn't happen". Each Sunday I look around and I notice empty seats, empty because so many Christians have stopped going to service. The reason I mention this today is because of the last question asked in the beginning of this post. "Is he going to return?" Jesus will return!  And according to the Bible he is coming to "catch away his church (bride)" and begin judgement upon those left behind. Please come to service today, come and let's prepare to welcome the return of Jesus.

S.O.A.P.

1-11-2015       Romans 3:5-8

S.       5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? Whose damnation is just!

O.      No sin will ever be justified; no amount of wrong is tolerated because of a good outcome. God treats all sin in the same manner.

A.      God hates sin, so I must hate sin, all sin, mine and that of others.

    P.       Father; teach me how to hate sin and never hate the sinner. Teach me true forgiveness that I                may forgive as you forgive. Amen.

What is your WORD worth?

A man should keep his word. If he does not, he is dishonest. Harsh words that are much easier to say than do. I have lived with my own failures long enough that I know that there are times when keeping your word is just impossible. What do we do then? I have been taking inventory on this subject and found a solution that works in most cases. I don't make promises as often, I pray before I "give my word" and I make every effort to be sure that the promises I do make will bring attention to God instead of Bill. I am even applying this to my credit usage. Something to think about because God says; Let your yes, be yes and your no, be no.

S.O.A.P.

1-10-2015       Romans 3:1-4

S.       1 what advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.3 for what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, that thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

O.      God’s law is given to man through the Jews beginning at Abraham and then in all generations since. The unbelief of some Jews does not cancel the promises of God.

A.       Man’s failure to obey God’s law does not alter that law. I must live an obedient life to the laws of God. When I slip and fail I must return to grace as quickly as possible. I want to be an over comer in all things.

P.       Father; thank you for grace, mercy and long-suffering patience with man. I am incomplete without them. Hold my hand and be my strength. Amen.

How I begin each day.

Early morning time alone with God is my "secret to success". Praying for my family and friends brings me comfort. Reading the Word fills my soul with delight and my day starts off right.

S.O.A.P.

12-26-2014    Mark 15: 1-4

S.       1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

O.      Jesus is silent before Pilate.

A.      The life of Jesus was his testimony and there was no need to justify or defend himself.  The life I live shall speak louder than any words. I need not defend or justify righteousness, just live it!

P        Father; I am committed to you and you alone as my God and Saviour. Reveal to me my shortcomings as I strive to live in righteousness and faith. Amen. 

Christmas Shopping

The best part of Christmas is the extra time I have with my Wife and family. Shopping wears me out but the fun is worth it. My new diet has changed many of our normal Christmas shopping eating rituals, but not many more days and I will be able to try some different foods. Gideon has been over helping me with some of my heavier chores (chopping wood, stacking and cleanup) and I was able to teach him how to change his own oil. I am so proud of my family and how they help each other out....and do it with love.

S.O.A.P.

12-20-2014    Mark 14:22-26

S.       22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

O.      Jesus shares the last Passover supper with his disciples.

A.      Jesus is always here to share with me, in good times and bad, in ease and hardship, in plenty and want. Jesus is the constant in my life. He never changes, he is always the same. I am not worthy in myself, I am made worthy by his sacrifice and love.

P.       Father; I give you my all, mind, heart and soul. Thank you Lord that I am never alone. Amen.

Viper Strike

8-29-2014      Acts 28:1-6

S.       1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

O.      On the shore after the wreck while building a fire to dry off and keep warm Paul is bitten by a snake. The local people that were gathered to help the victims of the shipwreck expected Paul to die. When Paul lived, and showed no effects at all, the locals deemed him to be a god.

A.      Paul was serving, helping and doing what he could to comfort his fellow travelers. Like Jesus, Paul is a servant. We must apply ourselves to serving. Not just preaching, singing and testifying but in the everyday needs of life as well. Sharing ourselves and our substance to comfort and aid our fellow travelers.

P.       Father; train me in your mercy, that I may show mercy. Train me as a servant that I may serve. Teach me love and compassion that I may be a good servant. 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.

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.

Told and Re-Told

8-16-2014      Acts 25:13-21

S.       13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

O.      King Festus shares his experience with King Agrippa and Bernice concerning Paul. Festus declares that he found nothing worthy of judgment in Paul and would have the matter handled in Jerusalem by Jewish courts but Paul exercised his right as a Roman to be judged by Caesar.

A.      When we are working to spread the gospel many of our listeners will rehearse our words to others. Our work is multiplied and God’s good news becomes a point of interest. We must plant the seed willingly and vigorously to as many as possible. Then and only then is the gospel imprinted into the minds of others that will continue the spreading.  

P.       Father; lead me to the individuals today that I may plant your words in them. Fill me with your spirit and speak through me. Amen.

Work

7-18-2014      Acts 20:33-34

S.       33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

O.      Paul describes his view of labor and reward.

A.      Working to meet our need is the normal course life. Paul also meets the needs of others and so should I. Many are unable to work and earn a living. God would have me to help those around me. Christians share!

P.       Father; strengthen my ability to work and direct me in my giving. Help me to be an example, like Paul, in my giving and in my compassion. Amen.

No Fear

7-15-2014      Acts 20:24

S.       24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

O.      Paul will not be moved by the fear of death from his faith in God.

A.      Fear is a tool of satan. He attempts to divert the believer from following God. I will turn my thoughts to God, believe the Bible and keep my victory.

P.       Father; open the eyes of my understanding that I may see every trick of my enemy. I put my trust in you Lord and I seek to honor you in all my ways. 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.

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.

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.