Please read Acts 28, Ephesians 1 and Ephesians 2 today. Continuing Paul's missionary journey - and finishing Acts today! What's your hight? Here are a few of mine:
"when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god" Acts 28:3-6 NKJV
It's funny the immediate and extreme reactions: first, Paul must be a murderer because of the snake bite. When the bite didn't kill him, he must be a god because he survived. We make those same instant and often uninformed judgements today, don't we?
A few highlights, bullet style today - it's so important that we don't skim these familiar parts and miss these big truths. Paul's ministry always points us back to Jesus.
"He chose us" Ephesians 1:4-6 Praise God, what a blessing and comfort to be chosen
"In Him we have redemption" Ephesians 1:7 That's everything, isn't it? In CHRIST, we have redemption.
"In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." Ephesians 1:13-14 - In CHRIST we trusted, and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance, precious.
Don't miss 1:17-20 - now we are made alive where our sins had once made us dead, through the sacrifice of CHRIST.
"now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ" Ephesians 2:13 - we are brought near by the blood of CHRIST. We must never forget what a high price was paid so that we can live reconciled unto God.
"For He Himself is our peace" Ephesians 2:14 - regardless of our feelings or circumstances, CHRIST is our peace.
Today, please read Acts 27. Yep - just the one! 🙂 What's your highlight today? Now Paul is traveling to Rome. Remember, he wrote his letter to Rome in advance of his trip there (that's why we read Romans already). What's your highlight today?
"Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over" Acts 27:9 NKJV
"But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them" Acts 27:21 NKJV
Again, we see the practice of fasting. Out of the fast, the Lord spoke an encouraging word. There will be disaster (consequence of their disobedience, not a reaction on the Lord's part), but there is also a promise: there will be no loss of life (27:21-22).
"And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, 'Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.' And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat." Acts 27:33-34 NKJV
Another reference to fasting. When I see the word "since", it makes me think of an action/consequence: since one thing happened, now another thing can happen. Since they had heard their word from the Lord, now the fast could end. Stay faithful and hang on until you receive your word from the Lord!
Please read Acts 24, 25 and 26 today. Read it with feeling, see if you can grab some of the emotion going on here today. Come on back and share your highlight - here's mine:
"But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men." Acts 24:14-16
Paul always kept the main thing the main thing. All of these "troubles" come because Paul knows that Jesus was raised from the dead and he preached this truth "first of all" (like he wrote in 1 Cor 15:8). The most important thing was that Christ be preached, and Paul let everything else become a secondary or minor issue.
"' I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ " Acts 26:17-18
That's the goal: to turn people "from darkness to light". In love, let your light so shine. What else could take precedence in our lives in minds, our schedules over accomplishing this ONE thing?
"And Paul said, 'I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains' .” Acts 26:29
No jealousy, no bitterness over his situation. Paul desires that ALL come to Christ and experience the blessings he was living. And ALL of this came from Paul as he was in chains. That's beyond remarkable.
I've tried to keep these blogs short and not put too much personal feeling into it, but honestly, y'all, today I'm about in tears reading this account. Did you get this: PAUL WAS IN PRISON, bound in chains. The man in charge, Felix, procrastinates and leaves Paul in jail for ANOTHER TWO YEARS (years, y'all) over charges that no one had been able to articulate to him (Acts 24:22-27). When Paul finally gets the chance to appeal to the new man in charge and to Caesar, did you see how he started his appeal? He said, "I think myself happy". He thinks himself happy? He's been in jail for 2 years, clerical errors and procrastinations keeping him there - if anyone had a reason to pick up an offense and be angry, wasn't it Paul? Wouldn't we all have said "Yes sir! You tell 'em!" if Paul had absolutely unloaded when he finally got the chance to speak? When he finally is released, Agrippa says that it seems unreasonable to hold him without specifying the charges (Acts 25:27). Is anyone else thinking: "Are you kidding me? After TWO YEARS, that's all you have to say to me?" Would any of us have criticized him if he said, "peace out, Jerusalem - y'all deserve what you get." No - he counted himself happy because wherever he was he found a way to communicate the gospel to people in need of the truth.
What are you offended about today? Just drop it - keep the main thing the main thing and be singular in fulfilling your God-given purpose - and then, like Paul, you really will "think yourself happy" 🙂
Please read Acts 21:37-40, Acts 22 and Acts 23 today. All in one place and all back-to-back, that's nice! Remember days where we were flipping like crazy to get through the reading? Can you believe we have less than 30 days to go? Let's finish strong (begin AND complete like we talked about the other day!). What's your highlight?
What a big day! Paul addresses the mob in Hebrew, because at first they were not willing to listen as he told the story of his conversion. Hearing their own language made all the difference. It's so important to know your audience and be able to relate.
‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth." Acts 22:14 NKJV
Couldn't we all adopt 22:14 over own our lives? Yes and amen! You are chosen! God desires to speak with you! You can hear God's voice!
Unfortunately, the mob turned again, and a plot was developed to kill Paul. The very Jews who heard him speak in their own language made a vow (Acts 23:12-15) to attack and destroy him. BUT the Lord appeared to Paul:
"But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.'" Acts 23:11 NKJV
I love that Jesus appears to Paul, to give comfort and strength, to remind him that God has a purpose for his life that would be fulfilled BEFORE these angry men made their vow. There is no such thing as an emergency meeting in heaven - God knows, God sees, and God has already made provision to protect and provide.
In the midst of any storm in our life, Jesus brings purpose and peace always.
All in one place today, Acts 20:13-38 and Acts 21:1-36. Quick reading, lots going on though! W hat's your highlight? Come on back and let's share!
"And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" Acts 20:22-24 NKJV
Perhaps Paul is saying “because I am so valuable to Christ, I can count my life worthless to me”. You know what happens when you know who you are in Christ? You'll find that you are able not only to see your own value, but also see the value in others. Now that you now how precious you are to the Lord, you also know that nothing can diminish your value - He can't love you any more or any less - and then guess what? That "scarcity mentality" goes away. You don't have to worry about taking care of others or honoring others, because you don't have any fear of lack in your own life. You are valuable to God and you are confident that He is taking care of you! What a beautiful circle!
We are worth the Blood of Christ - everything else is minor. Obey the Lord and let your value be found in Him.
Now Paul is on his way to Jerusalem - tough times ahead.
Today, we’ll read 2 Corinthians 11, 12, 13, and Acts 20:7-12. Just a quick highlight today - what’s yours?
So many times we mistakenly equate our happiness or comfort with God’s favor. Look at Paul’s description of his life:
“I’ve worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death’s door time after time. I’ve been flogged five times with the Jews’ thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I’ve been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I’ve had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I’ve been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I’ve known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold....” 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 MSG
Favor has nothing to do with those external things - favor is the Lord’s presence and it is enough. Times for Paul were hard, but he was never alone - and THAT is favor!
Finished 2 Corinthians!
Today we are reading 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, and chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10. I’ll go bullet-style again today 🙂 What’s your highlight?
Love how the Message translates 6:17 - “Make a clean break from everything that distracts you”. Amen! Yes!
“Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast” 2 Cor 7:6
“Nevertheless God” in any situation is a great comfort. Try adding that to a description of your day, and now you are poised for a turnaround!
“And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it” 2 Cor 8:10-11
Begin AND complete. Let’s finish strong - good intentions are good, good follow-through is better!
“you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God” 2 Cor 9:11
You are enriched in everything, and for a reason: for freedom and generosity. Take a lesson and then apply it to life, so others can see Christ in you. What a beautiful way to begin and complete!
All in one place today 🙂 Please read 2 Corinthians 2:5-17, 3, 4, 5 and 6:1-13. So much today, it’s so hard to pick out a few points. What stood out to you that I didn’t mention? Let’s share!
“Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:7-11 NKJV
Paul talks about LOVING and FORGIVING the offender “lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2:11). Unforgiveness definitely gives your enemy a foothold. Paul tells us that unforgiveness is one of the devil’s devices, one of his strategies to weaken us and our testimony. We are being told where the trap is: now don’t fall into it! Let “the love of Christ compel us” (6:14), and forgive.
Love this verse: “we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God we’re pleading through us, we implore you: be reconciled to God” (5:20). Our ministry is reconciliation - we are called to it. We spent so much time in the Old Testament, reading time and time when God went to great lengths to bring His children back into His care. We read the Gospels, see the great lengths Jesus went to care for people and bring the outsiders in, finally giving His own life as the ultimate sacrifice to see all people restored back to the Father.
For us, the ask is “go and make disciples”, “love your neighbor as yourself”, “forgive”.... we are continuing the work that started in the garden of Eden at the moment of the first sin: man was separated from God, God took amazing and extraordinary action to reconcile man back to Him again. We don’t have to wonder what our ministry is: reconciliation! Love and forgiveness is a great start toward that end.
Please read Romans 15, 16, 2 Corinthians 1, and 2 Corinthians 2:1-4. As he traveled, Paul’s goal was to lead people to the truth of Christ and to salvation. Do you notice that his message is always the same, but he addresses different issues based on his audience? What’s your highlight today?
In Romans 15:14, Paul says,
“Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another”
There is an important distinction for us to make here, between admonishment and judgement. Here are a couple of very simple definitions:
admonish: correcting with true desire to see growth toward maturity in the Lord
judgement: only pointing out wrongs, without a desire to make things better
To use judgement is important and necessary. To be able to help each other grow is vital. We ought to grow to a place of maturity where we can not only receive admonishment in love and in a right spirit, but we should also be able to be competent to instruct and give admonishment in love. Paul was able to use judgement to discern where his audience was and what they needed - then admonished them in love and kindness.
And then:
glory only in the Lord” 1 Cor 1:26-31
Always, point everything back to the Lord. Give Jesus all the glory!
Please read Romans 11, 12, 13, and 14 today. What’s your highlight?
Romans 13:9-16 is long, but worth reading together again:
“Don’t run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. The law code—don’t sleep with another person’s spouse, don’t take someone’s life, don’t take what isn’t yours, don’t always be wanting what you don’t have, and any other “don’t” you can think of—finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can’t go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.
But make sure you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!” Romans 13:9-16 MSG
To sum it up: behave like a Christian! Let’s not make things more complicated than they actually are! Do the right thing. Be kind to each other. Love people. Understand that God loves everyone.
“So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault.” Romans 14:19 MSG
PURSUE love and edification of others - God is taking care of us so we can take care of others. There’s no room for a “scarcity mentality” in the body of Christ. Since there is no limit to God’s love and provision, we don’t have to worry. We can care for others and be confident that God will take care of us.
