Paul Appears before Festus
1 Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, 2 where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul. 3 They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (planning to ambush and kill him on the way). 4 But Festus replied that Paul was at Caesarea and he himself would be returning there soon. 5 So he said, “Those of you in authority can return with me. If Paul has done anything wrong, you can make your accusations.”
6 About eight or ten days later Festus returned to Caesarea, and on the following day he took his seat in court and ordered that Paul be brought in. 7 When Paul arrived, the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem gathered around and made many serious accusations they couldn’t prove.
8 Paul denied the charges. “I am not guilty of any crime against the Jewish laws or the Temple or the Roman government,” he said.
9 Then Festus, wanting to please the Jews, asked him, “Are you willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there?”
10 But Paul replied, “No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here. You know very well I am not guilty of harming the Jews. 11 If I have done something worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die. But if I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!”
12 Festus conferred with his advisers and then replied, “Very well! You have appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar you will go!”
13 A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice,[a] to pay their respects to Festus. 14 During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. “There is a prisoner here,” he told him, “whose case was left for me by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem, the leading priests and Jewish elders pressed charges against him and asked me to condemn him. 16 I pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They must be given an opportunity to confront their accusers and defend themselves.
17 “When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn’t delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. 18 But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. 19 Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive. 20 I was at a loss to know how to investigate these things, so I asked him whether he would be willing to stand trial on these charges in Jerusalem. 21 But Paul appealed to have his case decided by the emperor. So I ordered that he be held in custody until I could arrange to send him to Caesar.”
22 “I’d like to hear the man myself,” Agrippa said.
And Festus replied, “You will—tomorrow!”
Paul Speaks to Agrippa
23 So the next day Agrippa and Bernice arrived at the auditorium with great pomp, accompanied by military officers and prominent men of the city. Festus ordered that Paul be brought in. 24 Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are here, this is the man whose death is demanded by all the Jews, both here and in Jerusalem. 25 But in my opinion he has done nothing deserving death. However, since he appealed his case to the emperor, I have decided to send him to Rome.
26 “But what shall I write the emperor? For there is no clear charge against him. So I have brought him before all of you, and especially you, King Agrippa, so that after we examine him, I might have something to write. 27 For it makes no sense to send a prisoner to the emperor without specifying the charges against him!”
Footnotes:
Acts 25:13 Greek Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Hey Chris! The Story of the Early Risin's & Lena's Journalin'
What are You doing up so early?
Everyone be aware, when you reply to the e-mail that is dropped in your box, for it'll be sent to the whole list of recipients. Don't know if you knew that.
My husband Lance leaves here at 5:20 a.m., and he gets up each morning at 4:30 a.m . So I get up with him.
He worked 2nd shift for 17 years and I was a night owl as he got home at 1 am, then we'd sleep in. I was always so tired and never got to devotion times. Of course I was up w/ kids back then too. Excuses, excuses.
Anyway 4 years ago when we started as cell leaders at our church, it was requested that we journal each day to our Pastorally prescribed Daily Bread readings, asking God to speak out of His word for the day, to us personally and to expound it to us, some would call that getting the "Daily Rhema" to the daily word.
Being I'd said I was "All in" where cell leading and our church vision are concerned, and a I've purposed to be a disciple, not of my own leading, but by the guide of willful submission on my part to what others may say to do. I purposed to take instructions from leaders and make a way to get them done.
I was struggling a LOT over it. I was grumbling and complaining about it.
Cassia (pronounced - Casha) was like 2, if even; and I was already busy with everything in life and at church. I tried to excuse myself, justify myself . Say things like, I donlt HAVE to Journal to BE a disciple or cell leader...etc.
The following month we were at TL Osborne's conference in town, that our church helped host. There were like 4 beautiful Jamaican ladies present who carried a pure spirit (if you were there you saw them). as I rushed by them one time, heading back to set up food again for the leaders, which we did after each service. I was mentally grumbling about how much I had to do, getting up at 6 am to get there, staying up till midnight to make sure all was ready for the next day...they asked me if I had a moment? - Ew BOY! I politely said, "sure, yes, I do", and stopped in front of them.
They asked if I was the lady w/ 7 children and could they pray for me? I agreed and bowed my head enjoying the rest of that moment. The lady who prayed started out saying, "Bless her Lawd...Oh Lawd, I just see her journalin' and journalin. Ew Lawd, I see not only 1 journel, but, yes Lawd, Yes Lawd, I see 7 journals! "
(At THAT, my time my moment of res !). I was like, God, YOU know I can't even get 1 done, let alone 7!!! She proceeded to go down a checklist of mental grumblings and concerns I'd had, hitting on every one.....I melted away to the food service place....
As I went home that night, I was like GOD - OK, HOW? I asked for awhile, this time really looking for a way rather than grumbling to excuse myself from it.
My husband had changed shifts at work and it took him about a month to get adjusted, but I was not adjusting at all. He'd go to bed at 9 without me, as I'd still stay up till midnight. I heard the Lord tell me to start getting up when he does and He'll help adjust me that way if I was willing to change.
I decided I was willing and I moved towards the change, and within a week it was over. My old life of sleeping in was over. 4:30 was the new time to arise and I had 2 hours right there before the kids got up. Viola', Journalin' time it was! In hardly any time at all, my inward time clock completely changed! God's supernatural empowering grace in obedience to His word to me, was all over me. I hardly need but 5-6 hours of sleep still. It is so weird and cool.
In the past , if I'd only had 5 hours of sleep, I'd need a nap over that, but not now. It is amazing. Some days I go to bed at 9, but we have teenagers!
The Lord brought me across Blogger and I began to publish the Journal and the Holy Spirit began to have me use it as a way to plant seeds for others to get further understanding of the word and to make an avenue to fellowship over the daily word with others.
As for 7 Journals? One day He showed me what that meant as I asked my two teenage girls to start to journal, and my adult daughter was also journalin' to her daily bread readings, then our teenage son was asked to journal in his discipleship class.
Some of the girls in my cell group also decided to...it's called reproduction and multiplication.
It wasn't just me posting 700 + journal posts online and others on my computer before finding Blogger. It was others who were picking up the discipleship vision and decided to follow me, as I follow Christ. WOW!
Much Love to you All!
Lena
Everyone be aware, when you reply to the e-mail that is dropped in your box, for it'll be sent to the whole list of recipients. Don't know if you knew that.
My husband Lance leaves here at 5:20 a.m., and he gets up each morning at 4:30 a.m . So I get up with him.
He worked 2nd shift for 17 years and I was a night owl as he got home at 1 am, then we'd sleep in. I was always so tired and never got to devotion times. Of course I was up w/ kids back then too. Excuses, excuses.
Anyway 4 years ago when we started as cell leaders at our church, it was requested that we journal each day to our Pastorally prescribed Daily Bread readings, asking God to speak out of His word for the day, to us personally and to expound it to us, some would call that getting the "Daily Rhema" to the daily word.
Being I'd said I was "All in" where cell leading and our church vision are concerned, and a I've purposed to be a disciple, not of my own leading, but by the guide of willful submission on my part to what others may say to do. I purposed to take instructions from leaders and make a way to get them done.
I was struggling a LOT over it. I was grumbling and complaining about it.
Cassia (pronounced - Casha) was like 2, if even; and I was already busy with everything in life and at church. I tried to excuse myself, justify myself . Say things like, I donlt HAVE to Journal to BE a disciple or cell leader...etc.
The following month we were at TL Osborne's conference in town, that our church helped host. There were like 4 beautiful Jamaican ladies present who carried a pure spirit (if you were there you saw them). as I rushed by them one time, heading back to set up food again for the leaders, which we did after each service. I was mentally grumbling about how much I had to do, getting up at 6 am to get there, staying up till midnight to make sure all was ready for the next day...they asked me if I had a moment? - Ew BOY! I politely said, "sure, yes, I do", and stopped in front of them.
They asked if I was the lady w/ 7 children and could they pray for me? I agreed and bowed my head enjoying the rest of that moment. The lady who prayed started out saying, "Bless her Lawd...Oh Lawd, I just see her journalin' and journalin. Ew Lawd, I see not only 1 journel, but, yes Lawd, Yes Lawd, I see 7 journals! "
(At THAT, my time my moment of res !). I was like, God, YOU know I can't even get 1 done, let alone 7!!! She proceeded to go down a checklist of mental grumblings and concerns I'd had, hitting on every one.....I melted away to the food service place....
As I went home that night, I was like GOD - OK, HOW? I asked for awhile, this time really looking for a way rather than grumbling to excuse myself from it.
My husband had changed shifts at work and it took him about a month to get adjusted, but I was not adjusting at all. He'd go to bed at 9 without me, as I'd still stay up till midnight. I heard the Lord tell me to start getting up when he does and He'll help adjust me that way if I was willing to change.
I decided I was willing and I moved towards the change, and within a week it was over. My old life of sleeping in was over. 4:30 was the new time to arise and I had 2 hours right there before the kids got up. Viola', Journalin' time it was! In hardly any time at all, my inward time clock completely changed! God's supernatural empowering grace in obedience to His word to me, was all over me. I hardly need but 5-6 hours of sleep still. It is so weird and cool.
In the past , if I'd only had 5 hours of sleep, I'd need a nap over that, but not now. It is amazing. Some days I go to bed at 9, but we have teenagers!
The Lord brought me across Blogger and I began to publish the Journal and the Holy Spirit began to have me use it as a way to plant seeds for others to get further understanding of the word and to make an avenue to fellowship over the daily word with others.
As for 7 Journals? One day He showed me what that meant as I asked my two teenage girls to start to journal, and my adult daughter was also journalin' to her daily bread readings, then our teenage son was asked to journal in his discipleship class.
Some of the girls in my cell group also decided to...it's called reproduction and multiplication.
It wasn't just me posting 700 + journal posts online and others on my computer before finding Blogger. It was others who were picking up the discipleship vision and decided to follow me, as I follow Christ. WOW!
Much Love to you All!
Lena
Lena's Discipleship Journalin to Acts 24
Who is your judge? Who do you account before? Who do you stand before on things you say or do?
Most Christian believers say it is God. That is true in the end, but He’s set up governors now to help us pre-account to get some of the math out of the way.
Many believers do not like to give accounts to men of who they really are, especially when it comes to discipline and accountability.
There is such independence to our culture, with a self righteous attitude of, “No one tells me what to do, but God”.
The thing is, God has been speaking in very unlikely places. He’s been speaking through human beings to lead and guide us into all truth. The Holy Spirit has taken us places and set us up to hear God the Father’s voice at home, at work, at church, and out in our own community.
There is a scripture that says, the word of God is near us. It is in our mouth and in our hearts. Don’t say do I need to climb a mountain to find it, or swim a channel, or dig a very deep pit (working so hard to hear it), for it is right here, right where you are already at. He is speaking to us through who is around us. (That was definitely a paraphrase to help open our understanding.)
God is most interested in heart change. More than any good action anyone could take for Him or to work His kingdom, He wants to see spiritual fruits growing on our heart tree.
He comes up to the Fig Tree of our lives looking to see something fruitful on that tree. Is it there yet? It should be. How long have we said we are following Him or love Him? Do we give ourselves over to character development? See THAT is what is most important to God.
Why do I do what I do, respond as I respond. Hear people how I do? It has to do with His character development inside of my secret part, my heart.
Many times Christians will excuse their actions saying, well God sees my heart and man is judging me wrongly because he is looking outwardly and God will judge me by what I intended inwardly.
Man looks at what he sees outwardly, because he cannot see the heart, but GOD knows our hearts and no matter what we say, he knows what is working on the inside. Is His character being worked inside? He knows if I want to look good outwardly and I say something sweet, but my words are not motivated by love. He knows what made whatever words come out of me, for he sees what is inside in abundance where that word flow comes from. Yes man only sees what he sees, but what is it man is seeing come out of you? If it is filthy outwardly, what does it look like inwardly?
Let’s not go too easy on ourselves, excusing ourselves for all kinds of unrighteous thinking and behaviors. We must come under discipline; we must submit our character development to THE accountable rule for change.
It would be far better to be judged now By scrutinizing men than to stand before a righteous Holy God without any excuse at all for not submitting ourselves here.
Men and women who willingly submit themselves even to unfair treatment here, understand there is a far more Righteous Judge who they will encounter later on. They use willful obedient submission as an exercise, and a discipline now.
There is always a way that seems right to a man, an easier way to do this work, but anyway around God’s way, as defined by men for themselves will lead them to a life of pain, sorrow, grief, and death.
BUT, if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Whatever the circumstance, whatever the situation; (Look at Paul) one can be developed if they submit themselves to it as though it is God Himself training us for something else.
It is those who kick against the rules that stay in the prisons of self inflicted guide for as long as it takes to silence the flesh and become led by God’s Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is oh so gentle. He speaks once, He is God. When He speaks through whatever avenue He so chooses, He is looking for a reciprocal response. If we excuse ourselves form even His simplest words, we are going our own way. How can one be blessed by God, when he told God he was going his own way, with a cordial “thank you, see you, goodbye”?
Practicing and exercising obedience in the smallest matters, is the way to become an obedient son of God, who lives to do His word and will.
Think about it, simple obedience. You are at church, the pastor says, “Lets’ all stand”. You excuse yourself from standing. You don’t need to, he doesn’t mean everyone has to. It’s just an invitation for whoever wants to do it. I don’t particularly want to do it, and anyway, God knows my heart and I’m standing on the inside! Next time the pastor makes the “invitation” a little clearer. He says, “Let’s all stand for the sake of unity”. You excused yourself the first time, believing that scripture that says man looks on the outside to judge, but God sees my heart! So you sit again, because the pastor doesn’t really mean all of us, he again just means, those of us who really would like to!
We wonder later on in another situation we are in why we cannot hear God’s voice. We ask, seek, knock, when we want to, and we don’t hear anything at all. We ask others to help us hear and they do hear something. When they tell us we are so deceived by not practicing obedience in the simple stuff) That we regard their words as mere suggestions too and we have made no plans to ever do them, at all. They are options to us, and man is looking at us outwardly, but God knows what’s going on, on the inside, and since He is a gentleman, He is silent where we are concerned. We don’t listen to anyone; we want a conk over the head, a falling planet to land in our yard, or thunder to clang in our ears. We want it our way, and God is gracious enough to give us over to our own way. (James 1 says a man is deceived if he hears and will not do what he heard)
Would it have hurt you to have stood in church every time the pastor or leaders asked you to? Was God trying to beat you up? Remember God sees the heart, and the heart even deceives us personally, who can know it? We thought we were excused. God saw something like pride or rebellion rooted, and its fruit was there in a bud stage. Now it’s full bloom and the person is miserable.
The death-walk is a self centered, self serving misery walk.
Many feel confused and wonder why such misery is happening, I mean, don’t they love God, doesn’t God love them? Jesus said, if you love Me, you’ll keep my words, then at the point of obediently keeping My words the way I see it, then you’ll be my disciples and you’ll be sensitive enough to know truth intimately and that intimate exercised in obedience truth will set you free. This is where freedom lies, in obedience. There is no freedom kept outside of it. We may be relieved for a moment, but our freedom must be maintained obediently.
God does love us all. He loves us into obedient actions that we may be blessed.
Love is not ever earned. Blessings are released through obedience! As we reciprocate, we are blessed. He’s not looking for or at good intentions, He‘s looking for obedient action and lasting fruit. Paul had said that God was using his circumstances to try Him, Perfect His faith, and make it sure.
What are your circumstances doing for you today?
Search me oh God and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts, see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me (and watch me follow even in the simple things obediently) in THE way everlasting! (This is a repentant prayer with opportunity for following action. It says, I’ll stop excusing myself to do it my own way, which I’ve dishonored You by doing it that way in the past, but I’ll do what You say, as You say it and I’ll purposely not disregard whoever You use to say it. Ya know, He could even use unsaved people! Remember Baalam’s donkey?)
Most Christian believers say it is God. That is true in the end, but He’s set up governors now to help us pre-account to get some of the math out of the way.
Many believers do not like to give accounts to men of who they really are, especially when it comes to discipline and accountability.
There is such independence to our culture, with a self righteous attitude of, “No one tells me what to do, but God”.
The thing is, God has been speaking in very unlikely places. He’s been speaking through human beings to lead and guide us into all truth. The Holy Spirit has taken us places and set us up to hear God the Father’s voice at home, at work, at church, and out in our own community.
There is a scripture that says, the word of God is near us. It is in our mouth and in our hearts. Don’t say do I need to climb a mountain to find it, or swim a channel, or dig a very deep pit (working so hard to hear it), for it is right here, right where you are already at. He is speaking to us through who is around us. (That was definitely a paraphrase to help open our understanding.)
God is most interested in heart change. More than any good action anyone could take for Him or to work His kingdom, He wants to see spiritual fruits growing on our heart tree.
He comes up to the Fig Tree of our lives looking to see something fruitful on that tree. Is it there yet? It should be. How long have we said we are following Him or love Him? Do we give ourselves over to character development? See THAT is what is most important to God.
Why do I do what I do, respond as I respond. Hear people how I do? It has to do with His character development inside of my secret part, my heart.
Many times Christians will excuse their actions saying, well God sees my heart and man is judging me wrongly because he is looking outwardly and God will judge me by what I intended inwardly.
Man looks at what he sees outwardly, because he cannot see the heart, but GOD knows our hearts and no matter what we say, he knows what is working on the inside. Is His character being worked inside? He knows if I want to look good outwardly and I say something sweet, but my words are not motivated by love. He knows what made whatever words come out of me, for he sees what is inside in abundance where that word flow comes from. Yes man only sees what he sees, but what is it man is seeing come out of you? If it is filthy outwardly, what does it look like inwardly?
Let’s not go too easy on ourselves, excusing ourselves for all kinds of unrighteous thinking and behaviors. We must come under discipline; we must submit our character development to THE accountable rule for change.
It would be far better to be judged now By scrutinizing men than to stand before a righteous Holy God without any excuse at all for not submitting ourselves here.
Men and women who willingly submit themselves even to unfair treatment here, understand there is a far more Righteous Judge who they will encounter later on. They use willful obedient submission as an exercise, and a discipline now.
There is always a way that seems right to a man, an easier way to do this work, but anyway around God’s way, as defined by men for themselves will lead them to a life of pain, sorrow, grief, and death.
BUT, if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Whatever the circumstance, whatever the situation; (Look at Paul) one can be developed if they submit themselves to it as though it is God Himself training us for something else.
It is those who kick against the rules that stay in the prisons of self inflicted guide for as long as it takes to silence the flesh and become led by God’s Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is oh so gentle. He speaks once, He is God. When He speaks through whatever avenue He so chooses, He is looking for a reciprocal response. If we excuse ourselves form even His simplest words, we are going our own way. How can one be blessed by God, when he told God he was going his own way, with a cordial “thank you, see you, goodbye”?
Practicing and exercising obedience in the smallest matters, is the way to become an obedient son of God, who lives to do His word and will.
Think about it, simple obedience. You are at church, the pastor says, “Lets’ all stand”. You excuse yourself from standing. You don’t need to, he doesn’t mean everyone has to. It’s just an invitation for whoever wants to do it. I don’t particularly want to do it, and anyway, God knows my heart and I’m standing on the inside! Next time the pastor makes the “invitation” a little clearer. He says, “Let’s all stand for the sake of unity”. You excused yourself the first time, believing that scripture that says man looks on the outside to judge, but God sees my heart! So you sit again, because the pastor doesn’t really mean all of us, he again just means, those of us who really would like to!
We wonder later on in another situation we are in why we cannot hear God’s voice. We ask, seek, knock, when we want to, and we don’t hear anything at all. We ask others to help us hear and they do hear something. When they tell us we are so deceived by not practicing obedience in the simple stuff) That we regard their words as mere suggestions too and we have made no plans to ever do them, at all. They are options to us, and man is looking at us outwardly, but God knows what’s going on, on the inside, and since He is a gentleman, He is silent where we are concerned. We don’t listen to anyone; we want a conk over the head, a falling planet to land in our yard, or thunder to clang in our ears. We want it our way, and God is gracious enough to give us over to our own way. (James 1 says a man is deceived if he hears and will not do what he heard)
Would it have hurt you to have stood in church every time the pastor or leaders asked you to? Was God trying to beat you up? Remember God sees the heart, and the heart even deceives us personally, who can know it? We thought we were excused. God saw something like pride or rebellion rooted, and its fruit was there in a bud stage. Now it’s full bloom and the person is miserable.
The death-walk is a self centered, self serving misery walk.
Many feel confused and wonder why such misery is happening, I mean, don’t they love God, doesn’t God love them? Jesus said, if you love Me, you’ll keep my words, then at the point of obediently keeping My words the way I see it, then you’ll be my disciples and you’ll be sensitive enough to know truth intimately and that intimate exercised in obedience truth will set you free. This is where freedom lies, in obedience. There is no freedom kept outside of it. We may be relieved for a moment, but our freedom must be maintained obediently.
God does love us all. He loves us into obedient actions that we may be blessed.
Love is not ever earned. Blessings are released through obedience! As we reciprocate, we are blessed. He’s not looking for or at good intentions, He‘s looking for obedient action and lasting fruit. Paul had said that God was using his circumstances to try Him, Perfect His faith, and make it sure.
What are your circumstances doing for you today?
Search me oh God and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts, see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me (and watch me follow even in the simple things obediently) in THE way everlasting! (This is a repentant prayer with opportunity for following action. It says, I’ll stop excusing myself to do it my own way, which I’ve dishonored You by doing it that way in the past, but I’ll do what You say, as You say it and I’ll purposely not disregard whoever You use to say it. Ya know, He could even use unsaved people! Remember Baalam’s donkey?)
Lena Posts Acts 24 Today
Acts 24
Paul Appears before Felix
1 Five days later Ananias, the high priest, arrived with some of the Jewish elders and the lawyer[a] Tertullus, to present their case against Paul to the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the governor:
“Your Excellency, you have provided a long period of peace for us Jews and with foresight have enacted reforms for us. 3 For all of this we are very grateful to you. 4 But I don’t want to bore you, so please give me your attention for only a moment. 5 We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes. 6 Furthermore, he was trying to desecrate the Temple when we arrested him.[b] 8 You can find out the truth of our accusations by examining him yourself.” 9 Then the other Jews chimed in, declaring that everything Tertullus said was true.
10 The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, “I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you. 11 You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple. 12 My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. 13 These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing.
14 “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. 15 I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.
17 “After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God. 18 My accusers saw me in the Temple as I was completing a purification ceremony. There was no crowd around me and no rioting. 19 But some Jews from the province of Asia were there—and they ought to be here to bring charges if they have anything against me! 20 Ask these men here what crime the Jewish high council[c] found me guilty of, 21 except for the one time I shouted out, ‘I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!’”
22 At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.” 23 He ordered an officer[d] to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs.
24 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” 26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.
27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.
Footnotes:
Acts 24:1 Greek some elders and an orator.
Acts 24:6 Some manuscripts add an expanded conclusion to verse 6, all of verse 7, and an additional phrase in verse 8: We would have judged him by our law, 7but Lysias, the commander of the garrison, came and violently took him away from us, 8commanding his accusers to come before you.
Acts 24:20 Greek Sanhedrin.
Acts 24:23 Greek a centurion.
Paul Appears before Felix
1 Five days later Ananias, the high priest, arrived with some of the Jewish elders and the lawyer[a] Tertullus, to present their case against Paul to the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the governor:
“Your Excellency, you have provided a long period of peace for us Jews and with foresight have enacted reforms for us. 3 For all of this we are very grateful to you. 4 But I don’t want to bore you, so please give me your attention for only a moment. 5 We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes. 6 Furthermore, he was trying to desecrate the Temple when we arrested him.[b] 8 You can find out the truth of our accusations by examining him yourself.” 9 Then the other Jews chimed in, declaring that everything Tertullus said was true.
10 The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, “I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you. 11 You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple. 12 My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. 13 These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing.
14 “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. 15 I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.
17 “After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God. 18 My accusers saw me in the Temple as I was completing a purification ceremony. There was no crowd around me and no rioting. 19 But some Jews from the province of Asia were there—and they ought to be here to bring charges if they have anything against me! 20 Ask these men here what crime the Jewish high council[c] found me guilty of, 21 except for the one time I shouted out, ‘I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!’”
22 At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.” 23 He ordered an officer[d] to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs.
24 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” 26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.
27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.
Footnotes:
Acts 24:1 Greek some elders and an orator.
Acts 24:6 Some manuscripts add an expanded conclusion to verse 6, all of verse 7, and an additional phrase in verse 8: We would have judged him by our law, 7but Lysias, the commander of the garrison, came and violently took him away from us, 8commanding his accusers to come before you.
Acts 24:20 Greek Sanhedrin.
Acts 24:23 Greek a centurion.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Lena's Discipleship Journalin for Today to Acts 23
Paul preached, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”
Why do you think it says that?
Because the opportunities will arise and it will be overwhelmingly difficult to not speak that way unless convicted to obey the word of God with a whole heart. Leaders are set by God over us. One may think if they are unfair that they have not been set there by God, but by self. That is incorrect thinking.
It also says that no one is in authority except by God placing them there. As easily as they were placed there they can be taken out of their positions. The positions are given by God to bring them to a place of further seeking of Him, for they are responsible to God for those of us underneath them. They stand in a place of extreme responsibility before God. They are accountable to God for how they handle matters and people, while we who are under them are only responsible for who and what is under us. The higher the level of command the greater the accountability for souls that person has before God.
The best response we should have when people in authority seem too bossy, unfair, even cruel, is to pray for their souls. Pray that when they have to give account to God for us, they can do that with no fear or dread of righteous judgment and burn before God’s very presence. No one would wish an eternal punishment like hell’s judgment fire on even their worst enemy!
Leaders of all kinds are in places of authority to be a test of our true faith in God and trust and reliance on Him to move mountains and bring change. It is a test of how much we really will pray, forgive and bless, all of these things are kingdom characteristics which must be proven true in us. Without a squeeze, no one, not even we ourselves, will know what would REALLY come out!
Another deal is maturity on the follower’s part. The leader does know more and is leading us. We could learn something from them if we stop being self centered and follow after them. My perception of the way they lead me is directly linked to my maturity level. We could have the same leader saying the same thing and one follower see their guidance as lame, foolish, and petty, while another follower sees it as much needed guidance. The difference was not in the leader, but in the perspective of the follower.
We need change, in the area where we give support to our leaders, making them look good whether they deserve it, earn it, or not. Submission means we make someone else look good because we believe as we honor men that He put in positions of authority, we honor God Himself. We understand, that we, as imperfect humans, may also lead others one day and we believe the principle of sowing and reaping, where God is not mocked, we will reap what we sow.
It just may be that the unfair leader usurped his own authority over a leader he was under and he’s being challenged in reaping what he sowed. We really need to pray for him to change his perspective, heal his wounds inflicted by pride, and grow in Christ.
Ever hear someone boast of being more capable, and able to do the “job” better? Then they get to, and as they do they see much clearer how it is to lead and what it takes to lead well.
Many, many things God gives leaders to do to prepare followers is not desirable, nor easy, but this is how one is trained as a soldier in God’s army. Even if one does not like what’s being done in training they can submit to it for the greater good.
Boot Camp Time, God is desirous of an army! A mighty Army of Godly men and women who know how to get and stay under authority as unto God, and not think that they are just under mere men. They see men as God appointed representatives, and so can follow them as (the submitted ones) follow Christ. They give prayer support, and blessing not cursing. They lend a hand to honor and will not allow the words of an immature heart to spread wildfires to other immature ones.
Amen.
Why do you think it says that?
Because the opportunities will arise and it will be overwhelmingly difficult to not speak that way unless convicted to obey the word of God with a whole heart. Leaders are set by God over us. One may think if they are unfair that they have not been set there by God, but by self. That is incorrect thinking.
It also says that no one is in authority except by God placing them there. As easily as they were placed there they can be taken out of their positions. The positions are given by God to bring them to a place of further seeking of Him, for they are responsible to God for those of us underneath them. They stand in a place of extreme responsibility before God. They are accountable to God for how they handle matters and people, while we who are under them are only responsible for who and what is under us. The higher the level of command the greater the accountability for souls that person has before God.
The best response we should have when people in authority seem too bossy, unfair, even cruel, is to pray for their souls. Pray that when they have to give account to God for us, they can do that with no fear or dread of righteous judgment and burn before God’s very presence. No one would wish an eternal punishment like hell’s judgment fire on even their worst enemy!
Leaders of all kinds are in places of authority to be a test of our true faith in God and trust and reliance on Him to move mountains and bring change. It is a test of how much we really will pray, forgive and bless, all of these things are kingdom characteristics which must be proven true in us. Without a squeeze, no one, not even we ourselves, will know what would REALLY come out!
Another deal is maturity on the follower’s part. The leader does know more and is leading us. We could learn something from them if we stop being self centered and follow after them. My perception of the way they lead me is directly linked to my maturity level. We could have the same leader saying the same thing and one follower see their guidance as lame, foolish, and petty, while another follower sees it as much needed guidance. The difference was not in the leader, but in the perspective of the follower.
We need change, in the area where we give support to our leaders, making them look good whether they deserve it, earn it, or not. Submission means we make someone else look good because we believe as we honor men that He put in positions of authority, we honor God Himself. We understand, that we, as imperfect humans, may also lead others one day and we believe the principle of sowing and reaping, where God is not mocked, we will reap what we sow.
It just may be that the unfair leader usurped his own authority over a leader he was under and he’s being challenged in reaping what he sowed. We really need to pray for him to change his perspective, heal his wounds inflicted by pride, and grow in Christ.
Ever hear someone boast of being more capable, and able to do the “job” better? Then they get to, and as they do they see much clearer how it is to lead and what it takes to lead well.
Many, many things God gives leaders to do to prepare followers is not desirable, nor easy, but this is how one is trained as a soldier in God’s army. Even if one does not like what’s being done in training they can submit to it for the greater good.
Boot Camp Time, God is desirous of an army! A mighty Army of Godly men and women who know how to get and stay under authority as unto God, and not think that they are just under mere men. They see men as God appointed representatives, and so can follow them as (the submitted ones) follow Christ. They give prayer support, and blessing not cursing. They lend a hand to honor and will not allow the words of an immature heart to spread wildfires to other immature ones.
Amen.
Lena Posts TRC's Daily Bread for Today Acts 23
1 Gazing intently at the high council,[a] Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”
2 Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3 But Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite![b] What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?”
4 Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”
5 “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’[c]”
6 Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!”
7 This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees—8 for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these. 9 So there was a great uproar. Some of the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees jumped up and began to argue forcefully. “We see nothing wrong with him,” they shouted. “Perhaps a spirit or an angel spoke to him.” 10 As the conflict grew more violent, the commander was afraid they would tear Paul apart. So he ordered his soldiers to go and rescue him by force and take him back to the fortress.
11 That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
The Plan to Kill Paul
12 The next morning a group of Jews[d] got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. 14 They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 So you and the high council should ask the commander to bring Paul back to the council again. Pretend you want to examine his case more fully. We will kill him on the way.”
16 But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. 17 Paul called for one of the Roman officers[e] and said, “Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him.”
18 So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”
19 The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”
20 Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information. 21 But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.”
22 “Don’t let anyone know you told me this,” the commander warned the young man.
Paul Is Sent to Caesarea
23 Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops. 24 Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix.” 25 Then he wrote this letter to the governor:
26 “From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings!
27 “This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety. 28 Then I took him to their high council to try to learn the basis of the accusations against him. 29 I soon discovered the charge was something regarding their religious law—certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. 30 But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you.”
31 So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. 32 They returned to the fortress the next morning, while the mounted troops took him on to Caesarea. 33 When they arrived in Caesarea, they presented Paul and the letter to Governor Felix. 34 He read it and then asked Paul what province he was from. “Cilicia,” Paul answered.
35 “I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive,” the governor told him. Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod’s headquarters.[f]
Footnotes:
Acts 23:1 Greek Sanhedrin; also in 23:6, 15, 20, 28.
Acts 23:3 Greek you whitewashed wall.
Acts 23:5 Exod 22:28.
Acts 23:12 Greek the Jews.
Acts 23:17 Greek centurions; also in 23:23.
Acts 23:35 Greek Herod’s Praetorium.
2 Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3 But Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite![b] What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?”
4 Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”
5 “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’[c]”
6 Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!”
7 This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees—8 for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these. 9 So there was a great uproar. Some of the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees jumped up and began to argue forcefully. “We see nothing wrong with him,” they shouted. “Perhaps a spirit or an angel spoke to him.” 10 As the conflict grew more violent, the commander was afraid they would tear Paul apart. So he ordered his soldiers to go and rescue him by force and take him back to the fortress.
11 That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
The Plan to Kill Paul
12 The next morning a group of Jews[d] got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. 14 They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 So you and the high council should ask the commander to bring Paul back to the council again. Pretend you want to examine his case more fully. We will kill him on the way.”
16 But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. 17 Paul called for one of the Roman officers[e] and said, “Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him.”
18 So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”
19 The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”
20 Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information. 21 But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.”
22 “Don’t let anyone know you told me this,” the commander warned the young man.
Paul Is Sent to Caesarea
23 Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops. 24 Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix.” 25 Then he wrote this letter to the governor:
26 “From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings!
27 “This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety. 28 Then I took him to their high council to try to learn the basis of the accusations against him. 29 I soon discovered the charge was something regarding their religious law—certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. 30 But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you.”
31 So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. 32 They returned to the fortress the next morning, while the mounted troops took him on to Caesarea. 33 When they arrived in Caesarea, they presented Paul and the letter to Governor Felix. 34 He read it and then asked Paul what province he was from. “Cilicia,” Paul answered.
35 “I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive,” the governor told him. Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod’s headquarters.[f]
Footnotes:
Acts 23:1 Greek Sanhedrin; also in 23:6, 15, 20, 28.
Acts 23:3 Greek you whitewashed wall.
Acts 23:5 Exod 22:28.
Acts 23:12 Greek the Jews.
Acts 23:17 Greek centurions; also in 23:23.
Acts 23:35 Greek Herod’s Praetorium.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Lena's Discipleship Journalin' to Acts 22 Today
This should be the cry of every person, to live a life honorable to God. Yet there is coming a day of reckoning. The Day of the Lord is close, it is at hand. God will have His way, whether we participate or not.
Many times in all of our pursuit of God, we pursue Him how we want to and in the measure of how much we have time for. We’ve sort of been telling God, “Hey, come on, take what you can get, just accept what I choose to give”. It’s funny, He does, for a time, but there is a day, He’ll just have His way and those who chose their own way will miss out. That day it will be clear who is all in for Him and who is all out for themselves.
This day had come upon religious Paul. You do understand that Paul (Saul) was a religious man, right? He was seeking God, His way. The way he’d been taught to. He really, really thought what he was doing was right before God! So do we!
The Holy Spirit is giving us grace in our day right now, to wake up, take off the cloaks of religious bondage by following an excuse laden, man made gospel, and to turn from working our own righteousness by works to turn into a personal obedient love relationship with Him.
God placed each of us on earth for the furtherance of His work. He wants it done a certain way. He has accepted the amounts we were willing to give Him, but He’s been waiting for the day when we’d choose growth and do it His way, no matter what that entails.
There is a way that seems right to men, but that way only leads to death (of God’s true purpose being fulfilled through them).
Do we regularly ask God what He wants us to do for Him today? Or do we just wake up with a religious plan to fulfill in order to fill our Godly scoreboards?
What about what He’s already asked of you through pastoral leadership and the prompting of the Holy Spirit? If we ignore those small words, we won’t hear the will when it’s read to us.
This past Sunday at church, our pastor offered an invitation to receive the Holy Spirit. This was the 3rd Sunday in a row he’s offered help to anyone who would receive Him. He told us that the Lord told Him that He wants to fill us all!
There was one girl who stood in the fear of God, believing that that was God’s word on her matter, and rather than taking it as a good suggestion that she has the prerogative to take or leave, she stood there before God, saying, “I have to receive Him or I can’t leave here!” Guess what? She received Him!
There are always reasons we do not see, that God knows for us and the direction He gives us are to prepare us ahead of time. When we do not do what He says, in as serious an acknowledgement as this young girl, we’ll find tragedy and pain later on, with a great amount of regret.
We live by faith, not by sight.
Our Faith pleases God! This is the only thing we do that pleases God! All our good works are nothing without having faith in God displayed in action by doing the small things He says to do quickly.
We are never exempted from obeying His word. Never.
If He says love, but a person is unlovely and we want an excuse, we can make one or take one, but He didn’t give it. We did what we thought was right in our own eyes instead of believing in faith for the strength and the ability to go ahead and love the unlovely.
If our pastor asks us to come together, everyone come on a Wednesday night to take communion, and we decide to stay at home and take communion, thinking to ourselves that it is the same, we are deceived. We’ve done it our own way, and we’ve disobeyed and dishonored the living voice of God that He’s set up in our lives in a tangible form, to test our faith level. Do we have enough faith to do words men of God give us? What about donkeys? Do we have enough faith to believe even the words of “donkey’s”? (What we consider stubborn mules, who we think are rebellious ones.)
Even the enemy knows how much power we carry in how much we obey. Obedience is a mighty weapon against him. He hates it when Christians obey God and especially people. He loves when Christians live independent of God’s appointed rule and do their own thing and justify their own actions, etc. He has victory there and no problems handling that persons life, they lay willingly play right in to his hands.
God’s and our enemy (if we are God’s ) likes for us to place ourselves above the laws of the land and consider ourselves too high to listen to and obey mere humans. That’s his characteristic personality. That is exactly what he did in heaven. He exalted his own opinion. He raised his own desire before God’s. He placed himself above the laws of God, and he was brought down quicker than you can say, “Jack Robinson”!
WHY would we think it would be any different for us???
I wonder, how much we are willing to suffer for the gospel message? How big is our longsuffering, enduring gage?
The biggest suffering some us will ever experience is the suffering of our own souls. The battle within, of our own rights, and being free to live our own ways.
We struggle with others leading us. We think we know the way fine ourselves. The Bible says we think we know the way, but when we refuse to follow Him, we fall into a pit! Are we willing to extend our souls to grow up and spread the good news? Can we willingly submit to the direction and decisions others make for us? Do we trust and rely on God that much? Can we put any faith in that at all?
I mean those who lead us will be humans, imperfect humans who are walking like we walk. I mean what if they might decide to go their own way and if we follow them? We too could go down into a pit!
This is true, but as we follow others, we demonstrate we are following Christ. We are demonstrating our faith in the impossible and in a God who is far greater than ever a circumstance that comes our way. We are proving our love for Him and for His people no matter what! I mean is God great enough to rescue us out of a pit, even of our own digging? If we never dug it, our leader may not have one to fall into!
That takes faith, in God!
Ahh, new concept, faith in God!
Isn’t that what we are, is faithful to God and His word?
Amen!
Many times in all of our pursuit of God, we pursue Him how we want to and in the measure of how much we have time for. We’ve sort of been telling God, “Hey, come on, take what you can get, just accept what I choose to give”. It’s funny, He does, for a time, but there is a day, He’ll just have His way and those who chose their own way will miss out. That day it will be clear who is all in for Him and who is all out for themselves.
This day had come upon religious Paul. You do understand that Paul (Saul) was a religious man, right? He was seeking God, His way. The way he’d been taught to. He really, really thought what he was doing was right before God! So do we!
The Holy Spirit is giving us grace in our day right now, to wake up, take off the cloaks of religious bondage by following an excuse laden, man made gospel, and to turn from working our own righteousness by works to turn into a personal obedient love relationship with Him.
God placed each of us on earth for the furtherance of His work. He wants it done a certain way. He has accepted the amounts we were willing to give Him, but He’s been waiting for the day when we’d choose growth and do it His way, no matter what that entails.
There is a way that seems right to men, but that way only leads to death (of God’s true purpose being fulfilled through them).
Do we regularly ask God what He wants us to do for Him today? Or do we just wake up with a religious plan to fulfill in order to fill our Godly scoreboards?
What about what He’s already asked of you through pastoral leadership and the prompting of the Holy Spirit? If we ignore those small words, we won’t hear the will when it’s read to us.
This past Sunday at church, our pastor offered an invitation to receive the Holy Spirit. This was the 3rd Sunday in a row he’s offered help to anyone who would receive Him. He told us that the Lord told Him that He wants to fill us all!
There was one girl who stood in the fear of God, believing that that was God’s word on her matter, and rather than taking it as a good suggestion that she has the prerogative to take or leave, she stood there before God, saying, “I have to receive Him or I can’t leave here!” Guess what? She received Him!
There are always reasons we do not see, that God knows for us and the direction He gives us are to prepare us ahead of time. When we do not do what He says, in as serious an acknowledgement as this young girl, we’ll find tragedy and pain later on, with a great amount of regret.
We live by faith, not by sight.
Our Faith pleases God! This is the only thing we do that pleases God! All our good works are nothing without having faith in God displayed in action by doing the small things He says to do quickly.
We are never exempted from obeying His word. Never.
If He says love, but a person is unlovely and we want an excuse, we can make one or take one, but He didn’t give it. We did what we thought was right in our own eyes instead of believing in faith for the strength and the ability to go ahead and love the unlovely.
If our pastor asks us to come together, everyone come on a Wednesday night to take communion, and we decide to stay at home and take communion, thinking to ourselves that it is the same, we are deceived. We’ve done it our own way, and we’ve disobeyed and dishonored the living voice of God that He’s set up in our lives in a tangible form, to test our faith level. Do we have enough faith to do words men of God give us? What about donkeys? Do we have enough faith to believe even the words of “donkey’s”? (What we consider stubborn mules, who we think are rebellious ones.)
Even the enemy knows how much power we carry in how much we obey. Obedience is a mighty weapon against him. He hates it when Christians obey God and especially people. He loves when Christians live independent of God’s appointed rule and do their own thing and justify their own actions, etc. He has victory there and no problems handling that persons life, they lay willingly play right in to his hands.
God’s and our enemy (if we are God’s ) likes for us to place ourselves above the laws of the land and consider ourselves too high to listen to and obey mere humans. That’s his characteristic personality. That is exactly what he did in heaven. He exalted his own opinion. He raised his own desire before God’s. He placed himself above the laws of God, and he was brought down quicker than you can say, “Jack Robinson”!
WHY would we think it would be any different for us???
I wonder, how much we are willing to suffer for the gospel message? How big is our longsuffering, enduring gage?
The biggest suffering some us will ever experience is the suffering of our own souls. The battle within, of our own rights, and being free to live our own ways.
We struggle with others leading us. We think we know the way fine ourselves. The Bible says we think we know the way, but when we refuse to follow Him, we fall into a pit! Are we willing to extend our souls to grow up and spread the good news? Can we willingly submit to the direction and decisions others make for us? Do we trust and rely on God that much? Can we put any faith in that at all?
I mean those who lead us will be humans, imperfect humans who are walking like we walk. I mean what if they might decide to go their own way and if we follow them? We too could go down into a pit!
This is true, but as we follow others, we demonstrate we are following Christ. We are demonstrating our faith in the impossible and in a God who is far greater than ever a circumstance that comes our way. We are proving our love for Him and for His people no matter what! I mean is God great enough to rescue us out of a pit, even of our own digging? If we never dug it, our leader may not have one to fall into!
That takes faith, in God!
Ahh, new concept, faith in God!
Isn’t that what we are, is faithful to God and His word?
Amen!
Lena Posts TRC's Daily Bread Reading for Today Acts 22
Acts 22
“Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” 2 When they heard him speaking in their own language,[a] the silence was even greater.
3 Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. 4 And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5 The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished.
6 “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
8 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.
“And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene,[b] the one you are persecuting.’ 9 The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me.
10 “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’
“And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’
11 “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. 12 A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. 13 He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him!
14 “Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15 For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus[c] saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’
19 “‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’
21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’”
22 The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, “Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!” 23 They yelled, threw off their coats, and tossed handfuls of dust into the air.
Paul Reveals His Roman Citizenship
24 The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so furious. 25 When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer[d] standing there, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?”
26 When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked, “What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!”
27 So the commander went over and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”
“Yes, I certainly am,” Paul replied.
28 “I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!”
Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!”
29 The soldiers who were about to interrogate Paul quickly withdrew when they heard he was a Roman citizen, and the commander was frightened because he had ordered him bound and whipped.
Paul before the High Council
30 The next day the commander ordered the leading priests into session with the Jewish high council.[e] He wanted to find out what the trouble was all about, so he released Paul to have him stand before them.
Footnotes:
Acts 22:2 Greek in Aramaic, or in Hebrew.
Acts 22:8 Or Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts 22:18 Greek him.
Acts 22:25 Greek the centurion; also in 22:26.
Acts 22:30 Greek Sanhedrin.
“Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” 2 When they heard him speaking in their own language,[a] the silence was even greater.
3 Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. 4 And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5 The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished.
6 “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
8 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.
“And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene,[b] the one you are persecuting.’ 9 The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me.
10 “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’
“And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’
11 “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. 12 A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. 13 He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him!
14 “Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15 For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus[c] saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’
19 “‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’
21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’”
22 The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, “Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!” 23 They yelled, threw off their coats, and tossed handfuls of dust into the air.
Paul Reveals His Roman Citizenship
24 The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so furious. 25 When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer[d] standing there, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?”
26 When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked, “What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!”
27 So the commander went over and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”
“Yes, I certainly am,” Paul replied.
28 “I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!”
Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!”
29 The soldiers who were about to interrogate Paul quickly withdrew when they heard he was a Roman citizen, and the commander was frightened because he had ordered him bound and whipped.
Paul before the High Council
30 The next day the commander ordered the leading priests into session with the Jewish high council.[e] He wanted to find out what the trouble was all about, so he released Paul to have him stand before them.
Footnotes:
Acts 22:2 Greek in Aramaic, or in Hebrew.
Acts 22:8 Or Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts 22:18 Greek him.
Acts 22:25 Greek the centurion; also in 22:26.
Acts 22:30 Greek Sanhedrin.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Lena's Discipleship Journalin' for Today to Acts 21
What! Are we willing to do for the work of the Lord in the earth? Change? Take hurt and pain and suffering upon us? Have our lives rearranged by others?
WHO! Are we willing to become, for the kingdom of God to be brought to earth through us? Are we really willing to put into practice what it takes to have a character change? Are we willing to lay down our own self life and die to that, to decrease all I want and wanted to be, for what He desires to make me?
Ya know His purpose for all flesh is that it may give its life for others. His purpose for each believer is that they’d be changed into His image and likeness, so much that when others look at the life changes they’d be astounded and see you new, like a dead man risen up to new life!
If your family, co-workers, friends and community know the almighty you, there is a problem you need to take up with your Father! I can guarantee you, you are in the way.
I like to do it this way. We do it this way or that way. I like this, I love that. I want this. I need that. He has need of thee to put all of THAT aside and bury it forever as though it is no longer your plight.
When Paul said, “I am ready to die for this kingdom”, he had grown up into the measure of the fullness of the stature of Christ! It was no longer Saul alive in full bloom. It was Paul, a changed man!
Has the Lord ever said something to you like, “Ya know you don’t HAVE to go to church today, We can just stay home and relax together and I can speak with you here, for you hear My voice fine?” If you’ve ever heard anything like that, you can go with it or you can do more than that.
Sometimes God wants to see what we will do. We never have to do anything with God, but as our love grows deeper and calls us up to a greater understanding of its depth and height and breadth, we can dive in, or soar, or sail with it and in it.
Paul heard he should not go to Jerusalem, because there’d be suffering. So why did he go? Love is the only reason. He was being tested on his love level. This was not disobedience; this was the extending of His soul. His trip was not about the avoiding of suffering and neither is our Christian walk and journey about that. God had already told Him he would suffer greatly for the kingdom of God sake. He knew that and also knew in order to truly follow Christ He’d have to be apart of that picture and plan. It would be the test of his faith and faithfulness.
Both God and our enemy want to see if we are wiling to be a part of whatever it takes to go all the way. Are we all in, or just some?
Paul rose up, and went to Jerusalem. He rose up in spirit and power. The power of love would have to be so great and fresh within him to go up there. The Spirit of God must rise up in Him and conquer over fear, pain, injury, and even death.
Do you realize a person can be injured, beaten, tortured, yet not be “harmed”? Because as Jesus did, they give their lives, even to unfair punishments. Paul was a great example of this, yet he says, I won the prize through it all. I’ve kept my faith in God! Love does that.
I find it very interesting that when the Jews took a vow it was not a secret matter of the heart, it was an outwardly worn flashing light. They shave their heads, they went to the House of the Lord and paid to have their heads shaven.
Vows cost, they cost whatever it takes to make sure you fulfill them on your end. They are not a contract, they are evidences of a changed life! If not fulfilled, curses come, If lived out , blessings are unleashed. They did a public display so everyone could help them stay on track though willing accountability. Any person who saw their shaved heads could say, what did you vow, and are you living it out?
Every vow or covenant promise will be tested. If not tested, not true. Each of us have opportunity to make or break our vows. We all came into covenant with God when we got born again. I know we thought it was a good fix that would help us be relieved from whatever pain we were going through at the time, but when we made promises to God through our pain and suffering, we promised Him our lives and He expects us to fulfill those promises. If we don’t, curses come. If we do, blessing flows.
We always want to know why things don’t go just so for us. What have we done to change our lives and our lifestyles and our thinking since we’ve made our vows to God? Are we dead to self seeking life yet? Are we alive to the fulfillment of the will of God in the earth, or do we still do our own thing? Have we committed to a church body, or a study group, yet we only show up when it is convenient for us or we have decided it’ll work? This is why “Things” are not working out thus and so!”
Notice where the persecution and suffering in Paul’s life came from. The same bunch Jesus suffered and died for. Why would we think it would be a different bunch for us. The church, the very place we are sent to for nourishment, the place we call “home”, this is where the suffering happens. There is a lot of live flesh there where it should be dead. Opinions do fly and as long as there is a crod gathered like that, there is all sorts of evil and curses awry. Paul’s message was true, sent to the right place. It was just the ears were clogged with a compacted amount of flesh life and could not hear the truth offered.
We always think the church will receive the message of living a crucified life well, but those who are full of themselves despise this message. They may think, I shouldn’t have to die, He already died for me.
I just read that He did, and that the gates of hell were barred by the power of His death and resurrection. That took care of the allotment of the offer that can now be given me, of the one-sided covenant with God. Now the way my side become activated is, I die- daily, to my self life! If I do not, I do not have an active covenant with God!
The church may think you a foreigner, truly, a sore thumb in the crowd, but God will have His way through our obedience, even the daily death of me on the cross. I die daily, to my own will, says Paul. What are you saying, with the actions of your life?
WHO! Are we willing to become, for the kingdom of God to be brought to earth through us? Are we really willing to put into practice what it takes to have a character change? Are we willing to lay down our own self life and die to that, to decrease all I want and wanted to be, for what He desires to make me?
Ya know His purpose for all flesh is that it may give its life for others. His purpose for each believer is that they’d be changed into His image and likeness, so much that when others look at the life changes they’d be astounded and see you new, like a dead man risen up to new life!
If your family, co-workers, friends and community know the almighty you, there is a problem you need to take up with your Father! I can guarantee you, you are in the way.
I like to do it this way. We do it this way or that way. I like this, I love that. I want this. I need that. He has need of thee to put all of THAT aside and bury it forever as though it is no longer your plight.
When Paul said, “I am ready to die for this kingdom”, he had grown up into the measure of the fullness of the stature of Christ! It was no longer Saul alive in full bloom. It was Paul, a changed man!
Has the Lord ever said something to you like, “Ya know you don’t HAVE to go to church today, We can just stay home and relax together and I can speak with you here, for you hear My voice fine?” If you’ve ever heard anything like that, you can go with it or you can do more than that.
Sometimes God wants to see what we will do. We never have to do anything with God, but as our love grows deeper and calls us up to a greater understanding of its depth and height and breadth, we can dive in, or soar, or sail with it and in it.
Paul heard he should not go to Jerusalem, because there’d be suffering. So why did he go? Love is the only reason. He was being tested on his love level. This was not disobedience; this was the extending of His soul. His trip was not about the avoiding of suffering and neither is our Christian walk and journey about that. God had already told Him he would suffer greatly for the kingdom of God sake. He knew that and also knew in order to truly follow Christ He’d have to be apart of that picture and plan. It would be the test of his faith and faithfulness.
Both God and our enemy want to see if we are wiling to be a part of whatever it takes to go all the way. Are we all in, or just some?
Paul rose up, and went to Jerusalem. He rose up in spirit and power. The power of love would have to be so great and fresh within him to go up there. The Spirit of God must rise up in Him and conquer over fear, pain, injury, and even death.
Do you realize a person can be injured, beaten, tortured, yet not be “harmed”? Because as Jesus did, they give their lives, even to unfair punishments. Paul was a great example of this, yet he says, I won the prize through it all. I’ve kept my faith in God! Love does that.
I find it very interesting that when the Jews took a vow it was not a secret matter of the heart, it was an outwardly worn flashing light. They shave their heads, they went to the House of the Lord and paid to have their heads shaven.
Vows cost, they cost whatever it takes to make sure you fulfill them on your end. They are not a contract, they are evidences of a changed life! If not fulfilled, curses come, If lived out , blessings are unleashed. They did a public display so everyone could help them stay on track though willing accountability. Any person who saw their shaved heads could say, what did you vow, and are you living it out?
Every vow or covenant promise will be tested. If not tested, not true. Each of us have opportunity to make or break our vows. We all came into covenant with God when we got born again. I know we thought it was a good fix that would help us be relieved from whatever pain we were going through at the time, but when we made promises to God through our pain and suffering, we promised Him our lives and He expects us to fulfill those promises. If we don’t, curses come. If we do, blessing flows.
We always want to know why things don’t go just so for us. What have we done to change our lives and our lifestyles and our thinking since we’ve made our vows to God? Are we dead to self seeking life yet? Are we alive to the fulfillment of the will of God in the earth, or do we still do our own thing? Have we committed to a church body, or a study group, yet we only show up when it is convenient for us or we have decided it’ll work? This is why “Things” are not working out thus and so!”
Notice where the persecution and suffering in Paul’s life came from. The same bunch Jesus suffered and died for. Why would we think it would be a different bunch for us. The church, the very place we are sent to for nourishment, the place we call “home”, this is where the suffering happens. There is a lot of live flesh there where it should be dead. Opinions do fly and as long as there is a crod gathered like that, there is all sorts of evil and curses awry. Paul’s message was true, sent to the right place. It was just the ears were clogged with a compacted amount of flesh life and could not hear the truth offered.
We always think the church will receive the message of living a crucified life well, but those who are full of themselves despise this message. They may think, I shouldn’t have to die, He already died for me.
I just read that He did, and that the gates of hell were barred by the power of His death and resurrection. That took care of the allotment of the offer that can now be given me, of the one-sided covenant with God. Now the way my side become activated is, I die- daily, to my self life! If I do not, I do not have an active covenant with God!
The church may think you a foreigner, truly, a sore thumb in the crowd, but God will have His way through our obedience, even the daily death of me on the cross. I die daily, to my own will, says Paul. What are you saying, with the actions of your life?
Lena Posts TRC's Daily Bread - Acts 21, for Today
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
1After saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, we sailed straight to the island of Cos. The next day we reached Rhodes and then went to Patara. 2There we boarded a ship sailing for the Syrian province of Phoenicia. 3We sighted the island of Cyprus, passed it on our left, and landed at the harbor of Tyre, in Syria, where the ship was to unload. 4We went ashore, found the local believers, F112 and stayed with them a week. These disciples prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem. 5When we returned to the ship at the end of the week, the entire congregation, including wives and children, came down to the shore with us. There we knelt, prayed, 6and said our farewells. Then we went aboard, and they returned home.
7The next stop after leaving Tyre was Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters F113 but stayed only one day. 8Then we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food. 9He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.
10During our stay of several days, a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. 11When he visited us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, "The Holy Spirit declares, 'So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans.'" 12When we heard this, we who were traveling with him, as well as the local believers, begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
13But he said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus." 14When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, "The will of the Lord be done."
Paul Arrives at Jerusalem
15Shortly afterward we packed our things and left for Jerusalem. 16Some believers from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to the home of Mnason, a man originally from Cyprus and one of the early disciples. 17All the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem welcomed us cordially.
18The next day Paul went in with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present. 19After greetings were exchanged, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20After hearing this, they praised God. But then they said, "You know, dear brother, how many thousands of Jews have also believed, and they all take the law of Moses very seriously. 21Our Jewish Christians here at Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews living in the Gentile world to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They say that you teach people not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. 22Now what can be done? For they will certainly hear that you have come.
23"Here's our suggestion. We have four men here who have taken a vow and are preparing to shave their heads. 24Go with them to the Temple and join them in the purification ceremony, and pay for them to have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that the rumors are all false and that you yourself observe the Jewish laws.
25"As for the Gentile Christians, all we ask of them is what we already told them in a letter: They should not eat food offered to idols, nor consume blood, nor eat meat from strangled animals, and they should stay away from all sexual immorality."
Paul Is Arrested
26So Paul agreed to their request, and the next day he went through the purification ritual with the men and went to the Temple. Then he publicly announced the date when their vows would end and sacrifices would be offered for each of them.
27The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul in the Temple and roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, 28yelling, "Men of Israel! Help! This is the man who teaches against our people and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws. He speaks against the Temple—and he even defiles it by bringing Gentiles in!" 29(For earlier that day they had seen him in the city with Trophimus, a Gentile from Ephesus, F114 and they assumed Paul had taken him into the Temple.)
30The whole population of the city was rocked by these accusations, and a great riot followed. Paul was dragged out of the Temple, and immediately the gates were closed behind him. 31As they were trying to kill him, word reached the commander of the Roman regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32He immediately called out his soldiers and officers and ran down among the crowd. When the mob saw the commander and the troops coming, they stopped beating Paul. 33The commander arrested him and ordered him bound with two chains. Then he asked the crowd who he was and what he had done. 34Some shouted one thing and some another. He couldn't find out the truth in all the uproar and confusion, so he ordered Paul to be taken to the fortress. 35As they reached the stairs, the mob grew so violent the soldiers had to lift Paul to their shoulders to protect him. 36And the crowd followed behind shouting, "Kill him, kill him!"
Paul Speaks to the Crowd
37As Paul was about to be taken inside, he said to the commander, "May I have a word with you?" "Do you know Greek?" the commander asked, surprised. 38"Aren't you the Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago and took four thousand members of the Assassins out into the desert?"
39"No," Paul replied, "I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, which is an important city. Please, let me talk to these people." 40The commander agreed, so Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet. Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he addressed them in their own language, Aramaic. F115
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOTNOTES:
F112: Greek disciples; also in 21:16.
F113: Greek brothers; also in 21:17.
F114: Greek Trophimus, the Ephesian.
F115: Or Hebrew.
1After saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, we sailed straight to the island of Cos. The next day we reached Rhodes and then went to Patara. 2There we boarded a ship sailing for the Syrian province of Phoenicia. 3We sighted the island of Cyprus, passed it on our left, and landed at the harbor of Tyre, in Syria, where the ship was to unload. 4We went ashore, found the local believers, F112 and stayed with them a week. These disciples prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem. 5When we returned to the ship at the end of the week, the entire congregation, including wives and children, came down to the shore with us. There we knelt, prayed, 6and said our farewells. Then we went aboard, and they returned home.
7The next stop after leaving Tyre was Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters F113 but stayed only one day. 8Then we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food. 9He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.
10During our stay of several days, a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. 11When he visited us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, "The Holy Spirit declares, 'So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans.'" 12When we heard this, we who were traveling with him, as well as the local believers, begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
13But he said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus." 14When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, "The will of the Lord be done."
Paul Arrives at Jerusalem
15Shortly afterward we packed our things and left for Jerusalem. 16Some believers from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to the home of Mnason, a man originally from Cyprus and one of the early disciples. 17All the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem welcomed us cordially.
18The next day Paul went in with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present. 19After greetings were exchanged, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20After hearing this, they praised God. But then they said, "You know, dear brother, how many thousands of Jews have also believed, and they all take the law of Moses very seriously. 21Our Jewish Christians here at Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews living in the Gentile world to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They say that you teach people not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. 22Now what can be done? For they will certainly hear that you have come.
23"Here's our suggestion. We have four men here who have taken a vow and are preparing to shave their heads. 24Go with them to the Temple and join them in the purification ceremony, and pay for them to have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that the rumors are all false and that you yourself observe the Jewish laws.
25"As for the Gentile Christians, all we ask of them is what we already told them in a letter: They should not eat food offered to idols, nor consume blood, nor eat meat from strangled animals, and they should stay away from all sexual immorality."
Paul Is Arrested
26So Paul agreed to their request, and the next day he went through the purification ritual with the men and went to the Temple. Then he publicly announced the date when their vows would end and sacrifices would be offered for each of them.
27The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul in the Temple and roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, 28yelling, "Men of Israel! Help! This is the man who teaches against our people and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws. He speaks against the Temple—and he even defiles it by bringing Gentiles in!" 29(For earlier that day they had seen him in the city with Trophimus, a Gentile from Ephesus, F114 and they assumed Paul had taken him into the Temple.)
30The whole population of the city was rocked by these accusations, and a great riot followed. Paul was dragged out of the Temple, and immediately the gates were closed behind him. 31As they were trying to kill him, word reached the commander of the Roman regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32He immediately called out his soldiers and officers and ran down among the crowd. When the mob saw the commander and the troops coming, they stopped beating Paul. 33The commander arrested him and ordered him bound with two chains. Then he asked the crowd who he was and what he had done. 34Some shouted one thing and some another. He couldn't find out the truth in all the uproar and confusion, so he ordered Paul to be taken to the fortress. 35As they reached the stairs, the mob grew so violent the soldiers had to lift Paul to their shoulders to protect him. 36And the crowd followed behind shouting, "Kill him, kill him!"
Paul Speaks to the Crowd
37As Paul was about to be taken inside, he said to the commander, "May I have a word with you?" "Do you know Greek?" the commander asked, surprised. 38"Aren't you the Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago and took four thousand members of the Assassins out into the desert?"
39"No," Paul replied, "I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, which is an important city. Please, let me talk to these people." 40The commander agreed, so Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet. Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he addressed them in their own language, Aramaic. F115
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOTNOTES:
F112: Greek disciples; also in 21:16.
F113: Greek brothers; also in 21:17.
F114: Greek Trophimus, the Ephesian.
F115: Or Hebrew.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Lena's Discipleship Journalin' Today to Acts 20 {It's here now, but You Don't HAVE to read it :-)}
In what order is the hearing or studying of God’s word, on in your list of priorities? Does God get your left over energy? Do we sleep when we hear the word or are we rested, ready to attend to it, and be as alert as guards and keepers of a special treasure?
I remember one time the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart saying, you spend your life everywhere, and when it comes to giving Me the best part, you have already spent it on whatever else is more important to you. Ever have so much of God that you are too tired to watch TV, read the newspaper, go shopping or out for the night on the keep yourself from other pleasures, so you’ll be more awake and available to Him?
These are new thoughts, huh? God thinks this way. He knows what is important to us, what is more important than Him. It is seen by what we do.
The one man in this passage was tired, and I don’t fault him, he was there listening at least, but his weariness, whatever the reason, brought him to a death.
Attending to the word is what gives life back to us. God is more interested in the intent pursuit of the word in demonstration in us. He is looking for the word to become alive in us. So much so that when we do attend meetings, they are like governmental meetings that will require homework of us so we can do what is said. There’s no way that can happen if we are asleep!
We must wake up, not allowing ignorance; we also must re-prioritize, giving God our best, on purpose. That means purpose to give Him the firsts, so we give the best and not the leftovers. Being awake means being aware of all this and living differently because of it. Being asleep in this time, is dangerous, it will lead to our death, but definitely the death of the effectiveness of God’s word being made alive in us.
We have but one message to portray in living form, the exact message Paul had, was awake for, and lived for. This is that message - the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
This is also how we should feel as kingdom citizens and ambassadors: my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Living for this, is the Christian lifestyle. What else is important? How do we tell others most effectively? By being and doing the word. Can’t be or do if we have never heard or understood the word.
Disciples no longer look for the Lord to chase after them, they accept the offers of the Lord to come and follow, come and meet with Him. In fact they show up without a formal invitation if it means being with or learning from the Lord. They are followers of Christ. They are hungry and know where to get the words that give spirit life.
When I say what I just said, I have not at all neglected the necessity of their get alone with God time, communing with Him in prayer and worship where they are receiving personal instruction and direction. There is just an element that a lot of “followers” miss and that is the portion of following another man as he follows Christ. It would be like Elijah and Elisha, or Jesus and His 12 disciples. In this day, we’d so much rather just stay at home and get in tuned with God for ourselves. Yet He asks us to follow other human beings, and also become ready to lead others to Him. A disciple finds a Christian who is stronger than them and hangs with them as often as possible.
When I say, “hangs with them as much as possible”, I mean where is that person studying the word or giving the word? Go to that place and re-arrange your life to be there. Don’t just show up at their house, but never their Bible Study. Be available to help them with something else they are already doing or working at. Let’s say they serve at the church, find out what day that is on and ask to help alongside them. If they say to your group, “Hey I’m gonna go to such and such a place, you are welcomed to come, if you want to be there”. They are not making a suggestion as in this is all optional. It is not optional for disciples who follow. They are there. They show up. They take the “option” to be there! They take subtle invitations seriously. They’ll know whether you want to or not, the disciples will come, the multitudes will go out and do whatever it was they’d already planned to do. The leader will or won’t see you there, for people always do what they really want to do.
If we want to take our kids to Disney, we do what it takes. If there’s a special ballgame we want to go to, we make arrangements. What do we do about meetings that are called by leaders to assemble with them where they are? How do we respond if it is called on a whim? Are we ahead of the “game? Have we simplified our lives and organized it in such a way that we are willing and able to change plans whenever beckoned by the leader? The disciples left all to follow. Elisha left all to follow, Paul left all while he still worked his job to follow! Why do we count ourselves any different than they are?
Don’t ask to have a personal time , with who you are being beckoned to follow, on a different day than they deem, like instead of showing up for what they are already doing. No, you follow them, fit into their plans. It is great exercise to fitting into God’s plan, rather than making God fit into yours! If they say, “hey we’re doing this”, do it, be a me that makes the we happen for them, make their visions and dreams come true. Lay your own down, even personal dreams for your home and family, bring those under the vision of your church house, spend your time making the church house visions and dreams come true, rather than just participating in some of the stuff done at church, Thinking more like your church has stuff to offer you.
What do you offer your church? When a leader says stuff to a group or to you personally, take it seriously, don’t act like it is a whole lot of great suggestions from someone who is wiser than you, and in your mind you could never do it like them. By faith in God follow after their lead, make the impossible happen. Most of the stuff impossible to you is merely inside of your head. Tell your head what you are doing, to be more flexible and solution oriented, tell it who you are following. Lead your mind into right thinking and right living! Discipline yourself into change of mind and heart. That’s what disciples do, they change!
Do we live to give? Do we live to receive more from God and our leaders, so we can give more? Do we purpose to get enough for us, our house, and to have leftovers to give the world? Or are we already spent on everything and everyone else? I heard my leader tell me once that I kept giving out me all over the nation, yet God set me here in this house to concentrate my efforts here in this place. Here is my ministry, where living people can daily make me accountable to my example. Now whenever I start to spend elsewhere the Holy spirit is so gracious to speak those words again to me and center and focus me in on the place he sent me to. It’s beautiful, for I’m only so big and God knows how to take good care of others. I don’t have to reach out away, spending of me what is meant for my home, family, church and local community. When I get that, he’ll expand my “world” I won’t need to do it.
Paul also said Watch out! How much of a priority is getting and keeping the word of God to us? Enough to be set on watch over our own spirits’, souls, and bodies? Enough to be keepers of the guard, not allowing any way the enemy can get in and steal God’s word form us?
Do we say we can’t or do we believe God, to be able to do more of what He desires and has asked us to do?
I think of a meeting I was in where a leader said we have to read. I have heard so many comments given about that word, seemingly valid excuses. Yet we do what we want to. I hear the more you read the better you read. I believe what we really want we’ll go after, even if it means practice or lessons. It’s like that in other areas of life. We’d learn to read better if it means making more money. People change their personalities, become another person for money, but when God says something like that, they offer a ton of self reliant unbelieving excuses. Can God help me with anything at all? Do I believe He can? Does he cause impossible things to happen? I belive he does. And what better thing to help us with than obeying words he’s give us through teachings and leadership. Words we hear form leaders are edicts of the kingdom of God to obey. He would not give us stuff to do that we can’t do without His strength. He so wants us to be challenged into believing Him for more, even the improvement of our minds and souls. We have the mind of Christ. His mind in us can overcome and learn anything he needs or asks u to. It’s our move, It’s up to us!
What is our gut response when we are told to follow a person? It may be we need to face the giant of rebellion and independent thinking and slay him on purpose. David cut off the mocking head of His giant. It silenced the lies once for all.
I remember one time the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart saying, you spend your life everywhere, and when it comes to giving Me the best part, you have already spent it on whatever else is more important to you. Ever have so much of God that you are too tired to watch TV, read the newspaper, go shopping or out for the night on the keep yourself from other pleasures, so you’ll be more awake and available to Him?
These are new thoughts, huh? God thinks this way. He knows what is important to us, what is more important than Him. It is seen by what we do.
The one man in this passage was tired, and I don’t fault him, he was there listening at least, but his weariness, whatever the reason, brought him to a death.
Attending to the word is what gives life back to us. God is more interested in the intent pursuit of the word in demonstration in us. He is looking for the word to become alive in us. So much so that when we do attend meetings, they are like governmental meetings that will require homework of us so we can do what is said. There’s no way that can happen if we are asleep!
We must wake up, not allowing ignorance; we also must re-prioritize, giving God our best, on purpose. That means purpose to give Him the firsts, so we give the best and not the leftovers. Being awake means being aware of all this and living differently because of it. Being asleep in this time, is dangerous, it will lead to our death, but definitely the death of the effectiveness of God’s word being made alive in us.
We have but one message to portray in living form, the exact message Paul had, was awake for, and lived for. This is that message - the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
This is also how we should feel as kingdom citizens and ambassadors: my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Living for this, is the Christian lifestyle. What else is important? How do we tell others most effectively? By being and doing the word. Can’t be or do if we have never heard or understood the word.
Disciples no longer look for the Lord to chase after them, they accept the offers of the Lord to come and follow, come and meet with Him. In fact they show up without a formal invitation if it means being with or learning from the Lord. They are followers of Christ. They are hungry and know where to get the words that give spirit life.
When I say what I just said, I have not at all neglected the necessity of their get alone with God time, communing with Him in prayer and worship where they are receiving personal instruction and direction. There is just an element that a lot of “followers” miss and that is the portion of following another man as he follows Christ. It would be like Elijah and Elisha, or Jesus and His 12 disciples. In this day, we’d so much rather just stay at home and get in tuned with God for ourselves. Yet He asks us to follow other human beings, and also become ready to lead others to Him. A disciple finds a Christian who is stronger than them and hangs with them as often as possible.
When I say, “hangs with them as much as possible”, I mean where is that person studying the word or giving the word? Go to that place and re-arrange your life to be there. Don’t just show up at their house, but never their Bible Study. Be available to help them with something else they are already doing or working at. Let’s say they serve at the church, find out what day that is on and ask to help alongside them. If they say to your group, “Hey I’m gonna go to such and such a place, you are welcomed to come, if you want to be there”. They are not making a suggestion as in this is all optional. It is not optional for disciples who follow. They are there. They show up. They take the “option” to be there! They take subtle invitations seriously. They’ll know whether you want to or not, the disciples will come, the multitudes will go out and do whatever it was they’d already planned to do. The leader will or won’t see you there, for people always do what they really want to do.
If we want to take our kids to Disney, we do what it takes. If there’s a special ballgame we want to go to, we make arrangements. What do we do about meetings that are called by leaders to assemble with them where they are? How do we respond if it is called on a whim? Are we ahead of the “game? Have we simplified our lives and organized it in such a way that we are willing and able to change plans whenever beckoned by the leader? The disciples left all to follow. Elisha left all to follow, Paul left all while he still worked his job to follow! Why do we count ourselves any different than they are?
Don’t ask to have a personal time , with who you are being beckoned to follow, on a different day than they deem, like instead of showing up for what they are already doing. No, you follow them, fit into their plans. It is great exercise to fitting into God’s plan, rather than making God fit into yours! If they say, “hey we’re doing this”, do it, be a me that makes the we happen for them, make their visions and dreams come true. Lay your own down, even personal dreams for your home and family, bring those under the vision of your church house, spend your time making the church house visions and dreams come true, rather than just participating in some of the stuff done at church, Thinking more like your church has stuff to offer you.
What do you offer your church? When a leader says stuff to a group or to you personally, take it seriously, don’t act like it is a whole lot of great suggestions from someone who is wiser than you, and in your mind you could never do it like them. By faith in God follow after their lead, make the impossible happen. Most of the stuff impossible to you is merely inside of your head. Tell your head what you are doing, to be more flexible and solution oriented, tell it who you are following. Lead your mind into right thinking and right living! Discipline yourself into change of mind and heart. That’s what disciples do, they change!
Do we live to give? Do we live to receive more from God and our leaders, so we can give more? Do we purpose to get enough for us, our house, and to have leftovers to give the world? Or are we already spent on everything and everyone else? I heard my leader tell me once that I kept giving out me all over the nation, yet God set me here in this house to concentrate my efforts here in this place. Here is my ministry, where living people can daily make me accountable to my example. Now whenever I start to spend elsewhere the Holy spirit is so gracious to speak those words again to me and center and focus me in on the place he sent me to. It’s beautiful, for I’m only so big and God knows how to take good care of others. I don’t have to reach out away, spending of me what is meant for my home, family, church and local community. When I get that, he’ll expand my “world” I won’t need to do it.
Paul also said Watch out! How much of a priority is getting and keeping the word of God to us? Enough to be set on watch over our own spirits’, souls, and bodies? Enough to be keepers of the guard, not allowing any way the enemy can get in and steal God’s word form us?
Do we say we can’t or do we believe God, to be able to do more of what He desires and has asked us to do?
I think of a meeting I was in where a leader said we have to read. I have heard so many comments given about that word, seemingly valid excuses. Yet we do what we want to. I hear the more you read the better you read. I believe what we really want we’ll go after, even if it means practice or lessons. It’s like that in other areas of life. We’d learn to read better if it means making more money. People change their personalities, become another person for money, but when God says something like that, they offer a ton of self reliant unbelieving excuses. Can God help me with anything at all? Do I believe He can? Does he cause impossible things to happen? I belive he does. And what better thing to help us with than obeying words he’s give us through teachings and leadership. Words we hear form leaders are edicts of the kingdom of God to obey. He would not give us stuff to do that we can’t do without His strength. He so wants us to be challenged into believing Him for more, even the improvement of our minds and souls. We have the mind of Christ. His mind in us can overcome and learn anything he needs or asks u to. It’s our move, It’s up to us!
What is our gut response when we are told to follow a person? It may be we need to face the giant of rebellion and independent thinking and slay him on purpose. David cut off the mocking head of His giant. It silenced the lies once for all.
Lena Posts TRC"s Daily Bread Reading for Todau Acts 20
Paul Goes to Macedonia and Greece
1 When the uproar was over, Paul sent for the believers[a] and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia. 2 While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, 3 where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 Several men were traveling with him. They were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. 5 They went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. 6 After the Passover[b] ended, we boarded a ship at Philippi in Macedonia and five days later joined them in Troas, where we stayed a week.
Paul’s Final Visit to Troas
7 On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper.[c] Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight. 8 The upstairs room where we met was lighted with many flickering lamps. 9 As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. 10 Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. “Don’t worry,” he said, “he’s alive!” 11 Then they all went back upstairs, shared in the Lord’s Supper,[d] and ate together. Paul continued talking to them until dawn, and then he left. 12 Meanwhile, the young man was taken home unhurt, and everyone was greatly relieved.
Paul Meets the Ephesian Elders
13 Paul went by land to Assos, where he had arranged for us to join him, while we traveled by ship. 14 He joined us there, and we sailed together to Mitylene. 15 The next day we sailed past the island of Kios. The following day we crossed to the island of Samos, and[e] a day later we arrived at Miletus.
16 Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost. 17 But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.
18 When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now 19 I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. 20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. 21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
22 “And now I am bound by the Spirit[f] to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
25 “And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. 26 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault,[g] 27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood[h]—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.[i] 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.
32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. 37 They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. 38 They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.
Footnotes:
Acts 20:1 Greek disciples.
Acts 20:6 Greek the days of unleavened bread.
Acts 20:7 Greek to break bread.
Acts 20:11 Greek broke the bread.
Acts 20:15 Some manuscripts read and having stayed at Trogyllium.
Acts 20:22 Or by my spirit, or by an inner compulsion; Greek reads by the spirit.
Acts 20:26 Greek I am innocent of the blood of all.
Acts 20:28 Or with the blood of his own [Son].
Acts 20:28 Greek overseers.
1 When the uproar was over, Paul sent for the believers[a] and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia. 2 While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, 3 where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 Several men were traveling with him. They were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. 5 They went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. 6 After the Passover[b] ended, we boarded a ship at Philippi in Macedonia and five days later joined them in Troas, where we stayed a week.
Paul’s Final Visit to Troas
7 On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper.[c] Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight. 8 The upstairs room where we met was lighted with many flickering lamps. 9 As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. 10 Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. “Don’t worry,” he said, “he’s alive!” 11 Then they all went back upstairs, shared in the Lord’s Supper,[d] and ate together. Paul continued talking to them until dawn, and then he left. 12 Meanwhile, the young man was taken home unhurt, and everyone was greatly relieved.
Paul Meets the Ephesian Elders
13 Paul went by land to Assos, where he had arranged for us to join him, while we traveled by ship. 14 He joined us there, and we sailed together to Mitylene. 15 The next day we sailed past the island of Kios. The following day we crossed to the island of Samos, and[e] a day later we arrived at Miletus.
16 Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost. 17 But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.
18 When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now 19 I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. 20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. 21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
22 “And now I am bound by the Spirit[f] to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
25 “And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. 26 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault,[g] 27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood[h]—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.[i] 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.
32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. 37 They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. 38 They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.
Footnotes:
Acts 20:1 Greek disciples.
Acts 20:6 Greek the days of unleavened bread.
Acts 20:7 Greek to break bread.
Acts 20:11 Greek broke the bread.
Acts 20:15 Some manuscripts read and having stayed at Trogyllium.
Acts 20:22 Or by my spirit, or by an inner compulsion; Greek reads by the spirit.
Acts 20:26 Greek I am innocent of the blood of all.
Acts 20:28 Or with the blood of his own [Son].
Acts 20:28 Greek overseers.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Lena's Dscipleship Journalin' to Acts 19 Today
We all have to repent and be baptized. Water baptism is the sign of repentance. Water baptism is all about the washing away of sins and the witness of an outward confession of a new covenant we’ve decided to live out in front of witnesses. It like stating our vow at an altar of sacrifice and making ourselves accountable to the witnesses to live out the vow forever.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is what every believer needs to be filled full of God! Without Him we are nothing, absolutely nothing! Trying to walk out our commission with God without the help of His indwelling and the overflow of Hid Spirit is ludicrous.
Right now God is inviting all believers everywhere, no matter their race, color, or denomination to receive Him on the inside once again. It is such an imperative action of our faith. It is amazingly important to the furtherance of God’s kingdom in each of us. The Lord is so graciously inviting His church to the wedding table. He serves wine there without measure, there’s no compulsion, but those who desire to can have all they want. Those who come to the feast will have been the ones who desired to partake of all He offered.
Eating and drinking of spiritual life is essential to spirit life and breath! We cannot live this spirit led life without Him. It is just whacky to think we can. Pride must bow its knee to the thought of being fully dependant upon God in order to live for Him! Man cannot live by bread alone, but he does live, by every word that comes out of the mouth of God!
Churches are going to enter into great struggles if they refuse His spirit in this day. It will not be the devil that brings all of the struggle. It will be the flesh, for the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man’s flesh nature. Man’s flesh nature must be put away, put to death, that Christ may be alive in that same man. There is only one way to emanate that much of God!
We could say we are dead to sin and trespasses, but to stay alive in Christ and stay dead to self seeking, we have to be full of Him daily. Full of His Spirit! We are deceived into thinking that we can live according to and walk in the Spirit without being filled to overflowing! The enemy would love to have us think we can, and live as though we can. He has laid a deceptive cloak over the eyes of non-believers – I’m speaking of people inside of the church that have refused Him! These are not equally yoked together with Him and with His will. Somewhere they don’t believe in Him; at least not to the measure of His call.
Have you ever been beat up by circumstances or situations? It may be you have left doors opened to enemy forces to take from you what is yours in God. What belongs to us in God is ours through the carrying out of obedient actions. As we obey, we have rights in Christ to keep what has been given us. We can lose what was given us if we do not protect and guard it. How valuable it is to us is gauged by our actions of obedience. If we refuse God we accept the devil’s work. We cannot have little bits of both! If we are on this journey for life then our lives take us form one obedient action to another!
We are constantly asking God how we can further give him glory inside of demonstrate able and purposeful obedient action. These sons of Sceva were not sons of God. Sons of God obey God, and know God, personally. It is known that one knows God personally and has grown into son ship, by how much that son obeys. Love actually increases with more obedient actions. They got their “butts” kicked when they tried to resist evil with evil. These were trying to do what they’d seen others do without having an obedient heart to God. They were uncommitted and unsubmitted. Unsubmitted and uncommitted people do not have their heads covered protecting them from evil spirit’s power in the earth.
When the Bible says it is good to have your head covered, it means it is good to have a “hard hat” on for the sake of the onslaught in the spirit realm. The only way to have one’s head covered is to be in a personal relationship with Christ Jesus as Lord. Not only accepting Him as your Savior, but receiving Him as your Lord. These boys may have asked Jesus into their hearts, but when it came time to attach themselves to a body of believers and to be accountable to somone with the intent of being changed, when it came time to be rubbed by members of the body of Christ, for purposeful character development, when it came time for them to do what someone else told them to do. (Like read your daily bread or go to church meetings, etc) they were their own persons and absent with excuse! Lots of self preserving excuses.
Don’t wonder anymore. This IS why people run away with their “pants down” so to speak. This IS why their Christianity has no validation or backup. An independent spirit opposes the spirit and power of Christ in us. There is NO victory in independence. It will lead to physical and eternal death.
Has your witness of Him changed lives to the extent of stirring up the enemy’s camp? We were praying for Columbia this week. The church there has stirred up the enemy’s camp on many an occasion. They saved people who were drug lords. That changed a few things, one thing was that the god of mammon could no longer have his way, being served by people there.
This is a god we American’s can so easily serve. We must remember our jobs are opportunities given us by God to be a witness, to save some souls. As we trust God for our finances, always putting Him first, using the tithe and our commitment to our regular assembly meetings, assigned us by God. Those that we choose to attend rather than working at the appointed times of unified accountable fellowship. This is how we’ll save people out of the enemy’s hands and tear down the powerful god of mammon in our own lives. It has to start personally first. We take him down by not giving him worship, in the form of time and first place and prioritization.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is what every believer needs to be filled full of God! Without Him we are nothing, absolutely nothing! Trying to walk out our commission with God without the help of His indwelling and the overflow of Hid Spirit is ludicrous.
Right now God is inviting all believers everywhere, no matter their race, color, or denomination to receive Him on the inside once again. It is such an imperative action of our faith. It is amazingly important to the furtherance of God’s kingdom in each of us. The Lord is so graciously inviting His church to the wedding table. He serves wine there without measure, there’s no compulsion, but those who desire to can have all they want. Those who come to the feast will have been the ones who desired to partake of all He offered.
Eating and drinking of spiritual life is essential to spirit life and breath! We cannot live this spirit led life without Him. It is just whacky to think we can. Pride must bow its knee to the thought of being fully dependant upon God in order to live for Him! Man cannot live by bread alone, but he does live, by every word that comes out of the mouth of God!
Churches are going to enter into great struggles if they refuse His spirit in this day. It will not be the devil that brings all of the struggle. It will be the flesh, for the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man’s flesh nature. Man’s flesh nature must be put away, put to death, that Christ may be alive in that same man. There is only one way to emanate that much of God!
We could say we are dead to sin and trespasses, but to stay alive in Christ and stay dead to self seeking, we have to be full of Him daily. Full of His Spirit! We are deceived into thinking that we can live according to and walk in the Spirit without being filled to overflowing! The enemy would love to have us think we can, and live as though we can. He has laid a deceptive cloak over the eyes of non-believers – I’m speaking of people inside of the church that have refused Him! These are not equally yoked together with Him and with His will. Somewhere they don’t believe in Him; at least not to the measure of His call.
Have you ever been beat up by circumstances or situations? It may be you have left doors opened to enemy forces to take from you what is yours in God. What belongs to us in God is ours through the carrying out of obedient actions. As we obey, we have rights in Christ to keep what has been given us. We can lose what was given us if we do not protect and guard it. How valuable it is to us is gauged by our actions of obedience. If we refuse God we accept the devil’s work. We cannot have little bits of both! If we are on this journey for life then our lives take us form one obedient action to another!
We are constantly asking God how we can further give him glory inside of demonstrate able and purposeful obedient action. These sons of Sceva were not sons of God. Sons of God obey God, and know God, personally. It is known that one knows God personally and has grown into son ship, by how much that son obeys. Love actually increases with more obedient actions. They got their “butts” kicked when they tried to resist evil with evil. These were trying to do what they’d seen others do without having an obedient heart to God. They were uncommitted and unsubmitted. Unsubmitted and uncommitted people do not have their heads covered protecting them from evil spirit’s power in the earth.
When the Bible says it is good to have your head covered, it means it is good to have a “hard hat” on for the sake of the onslaught in the spirit realm. The only way to have one’s head covered is to be in a personal relationship with Christ Jesus as Lord. Not only accepting Him as your Savior, but receiving Him as your Lord. These boys may have asked Jesus into their hearts, but when it came time to attach themselves to a body of believers and to be accountable to somone with the intent of being changed, when it came time to be rubbed by members of the body of Christ, for purposeful character development, when it came time for them to do what someone else told them to do. (Like read your daily bread or go to church meetings, etc) they were their own persons and absent with excuse! Lots of self preserving excuses.
Don’t wonder anymore. This IS why people run away with their “pants down” so to speak. This IS why their Christianity has no validation or backup. An independent spirit opposes the spirit and power of Christ in us. There is NO victory in independence. It will lead to physical and eternal death.
Has your witness of Him changed lives to the extent of stirring up the enemy’s camp? We were praying for Columbia this week. The church there has stirred up the enemy’s camp on many an occasion. They saved people who were drug lords. That changed a few things, one thing was that the god of mammon could no longer have his way, being served by people there.
This is a god we American’s can so easily serve. We must remember our jobs are opportunities given us by God to be a witness, to save some souls. As we trust God for our finances, always putting Him first, using the tithe and our commitment to our regular assembly meetings, assigned us by God. Those that we choose to attend rather than working at the appointed times of unified accountable fellowship. This is how we’ll save people out of the enemy’s hands and tear down the powerful god of mammon in our own lives. It has to start personally first. We take him down by not giving him worship, in the form of time and first place and prioritization.
Lena Posts TRC's Daily Bread Reading for Today Acts 19
Acts 19
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.[a] 2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them.
“No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked.
And they replied, “The baptism of John.”
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”
5 As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
Paul Ministers in Ephesus
8 Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. 9 But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord.
11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
17 The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. 18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars.[b] 20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
21 Afterward Paul felt compelled by the Spirit[c] to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before going to Jerusalem. “And after that,” he said, “I must go on to Rome!” 22 He sent his two assistants, Timothy and Erastus, ahead to Macedonia while he stayed awhile longer in the province of Asia.
The Riot in Ephesus
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis.[d] He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. 31 Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.
32 Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak. 34 But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they started shouting again and kept it up for two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 At last the mayor was able to quiet them down enough to speak. “Citizens of Ephesus,” he said. “Everyone knows that Ephesus is the official guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, whose image fell down to us from heaven. 36 Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, but they have stolen nothing from the temple and have not spoken against our goddess.
38 “If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges. 39 And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly. 40 I am afraid we are in danger of being charged with rioting by the Roman government, since there is no cause for all this commotion. And if Rome demands an explanation, we won’t know what to say.” 41 [e]Then he dismissed them, and they dispersed.
Footnotes:
Acts 19:1 Greek disciples; also in 19:9, 30.
Acts 19:19 Greek 50,000 pieces of silver, each of which was the equivalent of a day’s wage.
Acts 19:21 Or decided in his spirit.
Acts 19:24 Artemis is otherwise known as Diana.
Acts 19:41 Some translations include verse 41 as part of verse 40.
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.[a] 2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them.
“No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked.
And they replied, “The baptism of John.”
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”
5 As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
Paul Ministers in Ephesus
8 Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. 9 But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord.
11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
17 The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. 18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars.[b] 20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
21 Afterward Paul felt compelled by the Spirit[c] to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before going to Jerusalem. “And after that,” he said, “I must go on to Rome!” 22 He sent his two assistants, Timothy and Erastus, ahead to Macedonia while he stayed awhile longer in the province of Asia.
The Riot in Ephesus
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis.[d] He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. 31 Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.
32 Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak. 34 But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they started shouting again and kept it up for two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 At last the mayor was able to quiet them down enough to speak. “Citizens of Ephesus,” he said. “Everyone knows that Ephesus is the official guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, whose image fell down to us from heaven. 36 Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, but they have stolen nothing from the temple and have not spoken against our goddess.
38 “If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges. 39 And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly. 40 I am afraid we are in danger of being charged with rioting by the Roman government, since there is no cause for all this commotion. And if Rome demands an explanation, we won’t know what to say.” 41 [e]Then he dismissed them, and they dispersed.
Footnotes:
Acts 19:1 Greek disciples; also in 19:9, 30.
Acts 19:19 Greek 50,000 pieces of silver, each of which was the equivalent of a day’s wage.
Acts 19:21 Or decided in his spirit.
Acts 19:24 Artemis is otherwise known as Diana.
Acts 19:41 Some translations include verse 41 as part of verse 40.
Lena's Discipleship Journalin. to Acts 18 - Yesterday :-) VERY short PTL
Do you ever think about Paul being employed when you read through Acts? He was a tentmaker. He had a job! It seems whenever we read about successful gospel messengers etc., we always have in our minds that they are not employed by any man, and are only spiritually employed by God.
Did you know we are always employed by God, in whatever we do? In all we do we are in that place to work His kingdom! We are messengers and representatives, both at work and at play. Our jobs are actually our inside mission fields. We don’t even have to leave the country to be a witness, we can do it right at home. At home, is where it counts anyway. The Lord rarely ordains and anoints what does not work well first at home and in the daily workplace.
You may go and travel the globe with your message. But it doesn’t have as much power and anointing as it would through tried and tested character that family relationship so graciously provides for you!
Paul was able to establish a relationship with an unbeliever at work. This was another mission field for Paul to be an ambassador of His King.
I hear these same words from the Lord to Paul so often in my own head and heart. “Do not be afraid, do not be silent…” If we speak out for God as God asks, He’s faithful to cover our backsides well.
We must be bold and proclaim His name. I know we can speak even louder without words at times, as our true witness for our Lord is inside of being a living demonstration of the undeserving, unconditional love of God.
Many, many times our persecution is inside the deceptive lies that plague our heads. As we speak out we overcome the lies and those spirits of intimidation.
Did you know we are always employed by God, in whatever we do? In all we do we are in that place to work His kingdom! We are messengers and representatives, both at work and at play. Our jobs are actually our inside mission fields. We don’t even have to leave the country to be a witness, we can do it right at home. At home, is where it counts anyway. The Lord rarely ordains and anoints what does not work well first at home and in the daily workplace.
You may go and travel the globe with your message. But it doesn’t have as much power and anointing as it would through tried and tested character that family relationship so graciously provides for you!
Paul was able to establish a relationship with an unbeliever at work. This was another mission field for Paul to be an ambassador of His King.
I hear these same words from the Lord to Paul so often in my own head and heart. “Do not be afraid, do not be silent…” If we speak out for God as God asks, He’s faithful to cover our backsides well.
We must be bold and proclaim His name. I know we can speak even louder without words at times, as our true witness for our Lord is inside of being a living demonstration of the undeserving, unconditional love of God.
Many, many times our persecution is inside the deceptive lies that plague our heads. As we speak out we overcome the lies and those spirits of intimidation.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Lena Posts TRC's Daily Bread reading for Today- Acts 18
1Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. F95 2There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had been expelled from Italy as a result of Claudius Caesar's order to deport all Jews from Rome. 3Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers F96 just as he was.
4Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. 5And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent his full time preaching and testifying to the Jews, telling them, "The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus." 6But when the Jews opposed him and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his robe and said, "Your blood be upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
7After that he stayed with Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and all his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also became believers and were baptized.
9One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! 10For I am with you, and no one will harm you because many people here in this city belong to me." 11So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
12But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose in concerted action against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. 13They accused Paul of "persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to the law." 14But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul's accusers and said, "Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would be obliged to listen to you. 15But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish laws, you take care of it. I refuse to judge such matters." 16And he drove them out of the courtroom. 17The mob had grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and had beaten him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention.
Paul Returns to Antioch of Syria
18Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that and then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters F97 and sailed for the coast of Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. (Earlier, at Cenchrea, Paul had shaved his head according to Jewish custom, for he had taken a vow.) 19When they arrived at the port of Ephesus, Paul left the others behind. But while he was there, he went to the synagogue to debate with the Jews. 20They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21So he left, saying, "I will come back later, F98 God willing." Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22The next stop was at the port of Caesarea. From there he went up and visited the church at Jerusalem F99 and then went back to Antioch.
23After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back to Galatia and Phrygia, visiting all the believers, F100 encouraging them and helping them to grow in the Lord.
Apollos Instructed at Ephesus
24Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had just arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. 25He had been taught the way of the Lord and talked to others with great enthusiasm and accuracy about Jesus. However, he knew only about John's baptism. 26When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately.
27Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him in this. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God's grace, had believed. 28He refuted all the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them, "The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOTNOTES:
F95: Athens and Corinth were major cities in Achaia, the region on the southern end of the Greek peninsula.
F96: Or leatherworkers.
F97: Greek brothers; also in 18:27.
F98: Some manuscripts read "I must by all means be at Jerusalem for the upcoming festival, but I will come back later."
F99: Greek the church.
F100: Greek disciples; also in 18:27.
4Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. 5And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent his full time preaching and testifying to the Jews, telling them, "The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus." 6But when the Jews opposed him and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his robe and said, "Your blood be upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
7After that he stayed with Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and all his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also became believers and were baptized.
9One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! 10For I am with you, and no one will harm you because many people here in this city belong to me." 11So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
12But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose in concerted action against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. 13They accused Paul of "persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to the law." 14But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul's accusers and said, "Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would be obliged to listen to you. 15But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish laws, you take care of it. I refuse to judge such matters." 16And he drove them out of the courtroom. 17The mob had grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and had beaten him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention.
Paul Returns to Antioch of Syria
18Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that and then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters F97 and sailed for the coast of Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. (Earlier, at Cenchrea, Paul had shaved his head according to Jewish custom, for he had taken a vow.) 19When they arrived at the port of Ephesus, Paul left the others behind. But while he was there, he went to the synagogue to debate with the Jews. 20They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21So he left, saying, "I will come back later, F98 God willing." Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22The next stop was at the port of Caesarea. From there he went up and visited the church at Jerusalem F99 and then went back to Antioch.
23After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back to Galatia and Phrygia, visiting all the believers, F100 encouraging them and helping them to grow in the Lord.
Apollos Instructed at Ephesus
24Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had just arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. 25He had been taught the way of the Lord and talked to others with great enthusiasm and accuracy about Jesus. However, he knew only about John's baptism. 26When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately.
27Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him in this. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God's grace, had believed. 28He refuted all the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them, "The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOTNOTES:
F95: Athens and Corinth were major cities in Achaia, the region on the southern end of the Greek peninsula.
F96: Or leatherworkers.
F97: Greek brothers; also in 18:27.
F98: Some manuscripts read "I must by all means be at Jerusalem for the upcoming festival, but I will come back later."
F99: Greek the church.
F100: Greek disciples; also in 18:27.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Lena's Discipleship Journalin' for Today w/ Acts 17
Reading God’s word, or even listening to it, is just not enough for a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. The word of God must be understood, so one may apply it to their lives. Remember Jesus spoke in parables so that the ones who were not truly interested in understanding would not get it at all, but those who wanted to know more would do what it took to dig deeper and get to know Him, in a personal way.
Paul went into the synagogue 3 Sabbaths in a row to interpret the scriptures to the people. That is what ministers of the gospel do. They help the people to understand and to apply God’s word to their own lives.
Being a disciple means living a new lifestyle. The things we spent our time on before should no longer be as important to us as learning God’s word, to have understanding and apply it, for we are no longer citizen’s and students of the world system, who makes it a point to teach us without even our approval. The world makes everything amazingly simple to get, that one doesn’t even have to try. To get understanding of the most important treasure in all eternity, we have to diligently do something! We have to ask, seek, knock, open doors, stay in a place of pirsued unity with God’s spirit and keep on keeping on, guarding the greatest treasure of all time.
We must have God’s word daily. It is our spiritual food.
If you were hunting for a very special treasure, and the first time you did not find it, you’d keep searching till you found it, if you really, truly wanted it. Then if you found out there was another clue about getting more, you’d go on and search again.
Daily, is the action to take for seeking God and His word. Having someone explain it daily to you, will also get you to a place in God where you can hear for yourself. Your spiritual senses will be exercised to discern more and more!
Some who listened were persuaded. Some, not all. I wonder how many really listened towards treasure hunting?
It’s like getting this in your e-mail box each day. You can take it or leave it, read it or delete it. It’s up to you. We are all free to do what we want to with our time, our search for God and Truth, how we spend our lives is all up to us, we are freewill beings!
It is what we hear, have explained to us for greater understanding and what we do that is what will cause us to grow up in Him. What we don’t make time for won’t. We just need to realize later on when we feel to ask questions of the Lord, like, “Why is such and so happening to me, why am I so malnourished, and feel so weak”, then; “ Why do I flip flop and go up and down in this?” Here is the answer: Your measure of desire and diligence place you where you need to go! We live what we truly believe, now.
It is actually harder to preach good news to one who is closed minded, and has decided for himself already, than it is to preach good news to someone who is off a bit, but open to new ideas. It’s easier to offer truth to those who are at least seeking something or someone, than it is to be the person who has it all” already and does not “need” new truths. This is a sad thing because it is saying, if we are religious, we are harder to be made disciples of than if we are heathen.
Paul went into the synagogue 3 Sabbaths in a row to interpret the scriptures to the people. That is what ministers of the gospel do. They help the people to understand and to apply God’s word to their own lives.
Being a disciple means living a new lifestyle. The things we spent our time on before should no longer be as important to us as learning God’s word, to have understanding and apply it, for we are no longer citizen’s and students of the world system, who makes it a point to teach us without even our approval. The world makes everything amazingly simple to get, that one doesn’t even have to try. To get understanding of the most important treasure in all eternity, we have to diligently do something! We have to ask, seek, knock, open doors, stay in a place of pirsued unity with God’s spirit and keep on keeping on, guarding the greatest treasure of all time.
We must have God’s word daily. It is our spiritual food.
If you were hunting for a very special treasure, and the first time you did not find it, you’d keep searching till you found it, if you really, truly wanted it. Then if you found out there was another clue about getting more, you’d go on and search again.
Daily, is the action to take for seeking God and His word. Having someone explain it daily to you, will also get you to a place in God where you can hear for yourself. Your spiritual senses will be exercised to discern more and more!
Some who listened were persuaded. Some, not all. I wonder how many really listened towards treasure hunting?
It’s like getting this in your e-mail box each day. You can take it or leave it, read it or delete it. It’s up to you. We are all free to do what we want to with our time, our search for God and Truth, how we spend our lives is all up to us, we are freewill beings!
It is what we hear, have explained to us for greater understanding and what we do that is what will cause us to grow up in Him. What we don’t make time for won’t. We just need to realize later on when we feel to ask questions of the Lord, like, “Why is such and so happening to me, why am I so malnourished, and feel so weak”, then; “ Why do I flip flop and go up and down in this?” Here is the answer: Your measure of desire and diligence place you where you need to go! We live what we truly believe, now.
It is actually harder to preach good news to one who is closed minded, and has decided for himself already, than it is to preach good news to someone who is off a bit, but open to new ideas. It’s easier to offer truth to those who are at least seeking something or someone, than it is to be the person who has it all” already and does not “need” new truths. This is a sad thing because it is saying, if we are religious, we are harder to be made disciples of than if we are heathen.
Lena Posts TRC's Daily Bread Reading for Today, Acts 17 NLT
1 Now Paul and Silas traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was Paul's custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he interpreted the Scriptures to the people. 3 He was explaining and proving the prophecies about the sufferings of the Messiah and his rising from the dead. He said, "This Jesus I'm telling you about is the Messiah." 4 Some who listened were persuaded and became converts, including a large number of godly Greek men and also many important women of the city. F88 5 But the Jewish leaders were jealous, so they gathered some worthless fellows from the streets to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. F89 6 Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers F90 instead and took them before the city council. "Paul and Silas have turned the rest of the world upside down, and now they are here disturbing our city," they shouted. 7 "And Jason has let them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, Jesus." 8 The people of the city, as well as the city officials, were thrown into turmoil by these reports. 9 But the officials released Jason and the other believers after they had posted bail.
10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the synagogue. 11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth. 12 As a result, many Jews believed, as did some of the prominent Greek women and many men. 13 But when some Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and stirred up trouble. 14 The believers acted at once, sending Paul on to the coast, while Silas and Timothy remained behind. 15 Those escorting Paul went with him to Athens; then they returned to Berea with a message for Silas and Timothy to hurry and join him.
16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. 17 He went to the synagogue to debate with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there. 18 He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, "This babbler has picked up some strange ideas." Others said, "He's pushing some foreign religion." 19 Then they took him to the Council of Philosophers. F91 "Come and tell us more about this new religion," they said. 20 "You are saying some rather startling things, and we want to know what it's all about." 21 (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.)
22 So Paul, standing before the Council, F92 addressed them as follows: "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many altars. And one of them had this inscription on it – 'To an Unknown God.' You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is, and now I wish to tell you about him. 24 "He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can't serve his needs – for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need there is. 26 From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand which should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. 27 "His purpose in all of this was that the nations should seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him – though he is not far from any one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and exist. As one of your own poets says, 'We are his offspring.' 29 And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. 30 God overlooked people's former ignorance about these things, but now he commands everyone everywhere to turn away from idols and turn to him. F93 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
32 When they heard Paul speak of the resurrection of a person who had been dead, some laughed, but others said, "We want to hear more about this later." 33 That ended Paul's discussion with them, 34 but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the Council, F94 a woman named Damaris, and others.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOTNOTES:
F88: Some manuscripts read many of the wives of the leading men.
F89: Or the city council.
F90: Greek brothers; also in 17:10, 14.
F91: Greek the Areopagus.
F92: Or in the middle of Mars Hill; Greek reads in the middle of the Areopagus.
F93: Greek everywhere to repent.
F94: Greek an Areopagite.
The New Living Translation
10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the synagogue. 11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth. 12 As a result, many Jews believed, as did some of the prominent Greek women and many men. 13 But when some Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and stirred up trouble. 14 The believers acted at once, sending Paul on to the coast, while Silas and Timothy remained behind. 15 Those escorting Paul went with him to Athens; then they returned to Berea with a message for Silas and Timothy to hurry and join him.
16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. 17 He went to the synagogue to debate with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there. 18 He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, "This babbler has picked up some strange ideas." Others said, "He's pushing some foreign religion." 19 Then they took him to the Council of Philosophers. F91 "Come and tell us more about this new religion," they said. 20 "You are saying some rather startling things, and we want to know what it's all about." 21 (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.)
22 So Paul, standing before the Council, F92 addressed them as follows: "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many altars. And one of them had this inscription on it – 'To an Unknown God.' You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is, and now I wish to tell you about him. 24 "He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can't serve his needs – for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need there is. 26 From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand which should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. 27 "His purpose in all of this was that the nations should seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him – though he is not far from any one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and exist. As one of your own poets says, 'We are his offspring.' 29 And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. 30 God overlooked people's former ignorance about these things, but now he commands everyone everywhere to turn away from idols and turn to him. F93 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
32 When they heard Paul speak of the resurrection of a person who had been dead, some laughed, but others said, "We want to hear more about this later." 33 That ended Paul's discussion with them, 34 but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the Council, F94 a woman named Damaris, and others.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOTNOTES:
F88: Some manuscripts read many of the wives of the leading men.
F89: Or the city council.
F90: Greek brothers; also in 17:10, 14.
F91: Greek the Areopagus.
F92: Or in the middle of Mars Hill; Greek reads in the middle of the Areopagus.
F93: Greek everywhere to repent.
F94: Greek an Areopagite.
The New Living Translation
Friday, January 19, 2007
Lena's Discipleship Journalin' to Acts 16 - Today
I can hardly believe this passage starts this way today! I’ve been meditating on this all day in my own life and I was not able to get on to my journalin’ till now (7 p.m.)
Timothy was a young disciple who mother was Jewish, and whose father is Greek. How many of us have backgrounds much like this? Things just don’t seem to add up very well, and whenever we look at where or who we came from it is amazing to some of us that we are even alive, let alone faring well.
BUT GOD!
BUT GOD!
When I think about His goodness, it amazes me that He loves me so, draws me into His heart continuously, and is so amazingly patient with me! I am human, and so are you, and no matter how any of us were raised, we can be changed miraculously by God’s transforming power!
I know in our society we are taught through counselors that we are how we are because of some mishap in our past, and we need to get in touch with that and realize it was not really our faults. LET me share a few new thoughts with you.
We have ALL sinned. No, I’m very serious here. We have. And sin has no measurement at all where the judgment seat of God the father over the entire universe is concerned. It all offends Him, because it keeps those who He created to become so like He is, away from being able to do and be who they were created to be!
God hates sin, because it takes me out of His heart. NOT because this one, or that one, is worse than another, but because it all needs to be brought towards powerlessness. It all needs to be dealt with. Sin hurts people, affects people, sends people to hell, and takes them out from God’s desired presence.
Who’s fault is that? We can go wayyyyy back on that one. Back even further than the Garden of Eden, yep further than that! There was a rebellion, an uprising in heaven. That was the root origin. Man followed it, by a willful decision to.
Ok, so you’re older now than you were when you were being continuously led by your parents, or when they abandoned you, or when your parent died. You know a few things, like how to decide for yourself what is right and wrong. If you can decide that, and make new choices on how to live, the Truth of God’s word is available to you for the seeking, finding and taking. Seriously, if no one ever leads you right at that point. If someone lies to you, or does bad things to you, you still have an amazing power inside of you to decide within your heart, whatever you want to decide. It’s no one’s choice, but yours. If you do not choose Christ and God it is no one’s fault except yours.
I was telling my Bible Study group of ladies, that in the good ‘ol US of A, if no one ever told you the story of Jesus, or gave you a Bible, or even if you were taught wrongly as a child, when you grow up, and are old enough to learn or ask questions, there is not one excuse to say you could not know God! We have the internet, TV, the radio, tapes, CD’s, Gideon’s freebie Bibles, the library, or even a Dr’s. Office waiting room “copies” of the word of God.
If are seeking answers and truth and we really want to find it, we can walk to any church on any given corner of any given city-block, at any time that we so desire. We could even call for a ride to a church and I bet a ministry team would find someone to give us one! We are our own persons, aren’t we? We can do what we want, when we want to, right?
It does not matter your raising, background, color, race, or origin, you can know God if you want to! It doesn’t matter who your father, mother, sister or brother are. In present day USA, you can KNOW GOD!
Timothy was so influenced by the gospel, by the Lordship of Christ, that he was able to make a very radical decision towards a life changing action. With the power of his own freewill, he decided to mark his own physical body in such a way as to say, “I am willing to become one with you, in a way that outrightly speaks to you. Since you say that through the circumcision of the flesh, you serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; I want to change to be more like you are, so you’ll be able to listen to the message I have been given by Your Lord, for you!
I so want you to know He sent His Son, to solidify His covenant with you. He sent His Son, to seal the deal with you. The deal is what this scar in my flesh represents. I am willing to do away with a part of my flesh, to let you know this truth personally.”
R U led by the Spirit of God?
I’ve heard it said, “We as Christian believers, followers of Christ, can live by permission, or we can choose to live by trial and error.” If we choose to live by trial and error, rather than by permission; later on we can seek forgiveness and we’ll have to seek repair for our mistakes made.
Yes God is gracious and He forgives our sin. In fact, He forgives us every time we confess and turn away from walking in the wrong direction; but wouldn’t it be more pleasing to Him, if we would walk by permission? If we lived in such a way, as to ask first, listen to His wisdom, and apply it to our lives, with the intent to walk it out. Living this way, means we are not needing to turn around and backtrack down a wrongly turned on road as often. We actually gain ground and hold ground, rather than lose ground.
It could also be likened to asking for directions and following the advised course set out for us by others who know the way, or just independently deciding to go which ever way we feel may work, only to find we’ve had to take a very long road around the mountains and obstacle courses on the road of our own choosing.
The Spirit of Jesus did not let them go. The Holy Spirit told them not to go.
What was happening in both of these instances? They were living by permission, refusing to go on to places even God would like them to go to, without His approval first! The Holy Spirit knows everything about everything. He knows what is ahead, and what is the best timing for the best instance or presentation. He may have prevented even their physical deaths, from happening prematurely.
The god of mammon is one of the biggest strongholds that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. It is very hard for rich people to be saved, not impossible, but hard. They have to give up the seeking of riches as their life source, pleasure source, security source, or source of energy, motivation or worship.
Just touch someone where their money is concerned, and watch what comes out of them! Really. If it is anger, violence, frustration, grief, greed, etc, you’ll know what god has been deceptively strangling them towards a slow, but pleasurable death.
We cannot seek or serve mammon and God Most High. If we seek God, it must be Him first and Him alone. We cannot serve God and mammon. We will either hate the one and love the other, or love one and hate the other. We CANNOT, do both!
Be prepared, if you touch mammon, you could end up in jail, BUT God is faithful, as His messenger, He’ll probably get ya out! In the meantime, get the prisoners and jailers saved. As much as is in you, preach the gospel! You have seed in you that has the potential to grow a forest of trees. Each person is an influencer, a part of a greater picture, a family member, who needs the word of God to save them, from their sins.
The city officials and jailers apologized to them. Things are not always as they seem in the long-run, just wait and see the salvation of the Lord!
Timothy was a young disciple who mother was Jewish, and whose father is Greek. How many of us have backgrounds much like this? Things just don’t seem to add up very well, and whenever we look at where or who we came from it is amazing to some of us that we are even alive, let alone faring well.
BUT GOD!
BUT GOD!
When I think about His goodness, it amazes me that He loves me so, draws me into His heart continuously, and is so amazingly patient with me! I am human, and so are you, and no matter how any of us were raised, we can be changed miraculously by God’s transforming power!
I know in our society we are taught through counselors that we are how we are because of some mishap in our past, and we need to get in touch with that and realize it was not really our faults. LET me share a few new thoughts with you.
We have ALL sinned. No, I’m very serious here. We have. And sin has no measurement at all where the judgment seat of God the father over the entire universe is concerned. It all offends Him, because it keeps those who He created to become so like He is, away from being able to do and be who they were created to be!
God hates sin, because it takes me out of His heart. NOT because this one, or that one, is worse than another, but because it all needs to be brought towards powerlessness. It all needs to be dealt with. Sin hurts people, affects people, sends people to hell, and takes them out from God’s desired presence.
Who’s fault is that? We can go wayyyyy back on that one. Back even further than the Garden of Eden, yep further than that! There was a rebellion, an uprising in heaven. That was the root origin. Man followed it, by a willful decision to.
Ok, so you’re older now than you were when you were being continuously led by your parents, or when they abandoned you, or when your parent died. You know a few things, like how to decide for yourself what is right and wrong. If you can decide that, and make new choices on how to live, the Truth of God’s word is available to you for the seeking, finding and taking. Seriously, if no one ever leads you right at that point. If someone lies to you, or does bad things to you, you still have an amazing power inside of you to decide within your heart, whatever you want to decide. It’s no one’s choice, but yours. If you do not choose Christ and God it is no one’s fault except yours.
I was telling my Bible Study group of ladies, that in the good ‘ol US of A, if no one ever told you the story of Jesus, or gave you a Bible, or even if you were taught wrongly as a child, when you grow up, and are old enough to learn or ask questions, there is not one excuse to say you could not know God! We have the internet, TV, the radio, tapes, CD’s, Gideon’s freebie Bibles, the library, or even a Dr’s. Office waiting room “copies” of the word of God.
If are seeking answers and truth and we really want to find it, we can walk to any church on any given corner of any given city-block, at any time that we so desire. We could even call for a ride to a church and I bet a ministry team would find someone to give us one! We are our own persons, aren’t we? We can do what we want, when we want to, right?
It does not matter your raising, background, color, race, or origin, you can know God if you want to! It doesn’t matter who your father, mother, sister or brother are. In present day USA, you can KNOW GOD!
Timothy was so influenced by the gospel, by the Lordship of Christ, that he was able to make a very radical decision towards a life changing action. With the power of his own freewill, he decided to mark his own physical body in such a way as to say, “I am willing to become one with you, in a way that outrightly speaks to you. Since you say that through the circumcision of the flesh, you serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; I want to change to be more like you are, so you’ll be able to listen to the message I have been given by Your Lord, for you!
I so want you to know He sent His Son, to solidify His covenant with you. He sent His Son, to seal the deal with you. The deal is what this scar in my flesh represents. I am willing to do away with a part of my flesh, to let you know this truth personally.”
R U led by the Spirit of God?
I’ve heard it said, “We as Christian believers, followers of Christ, can live by permission, or we can choose to live by trial and error.” If we choose to live by trial and error, rather than by permission; later on we can seek forgiveness and we’ll have to seek repair for our mistakes made.
Yes God is gracious and He forgives our sin. In fact, He forgives us every time we confess and turn away from walking in the wrong direction; but wouldn’t it be more pleasing to Him, if we would walk by permission? If we lived in such a way, as to ask first, listen to His wisdom, and apply it to our lives, with the intent to walk it out. Living this way, means we are not needing to turn around and backtrack down a wrongly turned on road as often. We actually gain ground and hold ground, rather than lose ground.
It could also be likened to asking for directions and following the advised course set out for us by others who know the way, or just independently deciding to go which ever way we feel may work, only to find we’ve had to take a very long road around the mountains and obstacle courses on the road of our own choosing.
The Spirit of Jesus did not let them go. The Holy Spirit told them not to go.
What was happening in both of these instances? They were living by permission, refusing to go on to places even God would like them to go to, without His approval first! The Holy Spirit knows everything about everything. He knows what is ahead, and what is the best timing for the best instance or presentation. He may have prevented even their physical deaths, from happening prematurely.
The god of mammon is one of the biggest strongholds that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. It is very hard for rich people to be saved, not impossible, but hard. They have to give up the seeking of riches as their life source, pleasure source, security source, or source of energy, motivation or worship.
Just touch someone where their money is concerned, and watch what comes out of them! Really. If it is anger, violence, frustration, grief, greed, etc, you’ll know what god has been deceptively strangling them towards a slow, but pleasurable death.
We cannot seek or serve mammon and God Most High. If we seek God, it must be Him first and Him alone. We cannot serve God and mammon. We will either hate the one and love the other, or love one and hate the other. We CANNOT, do both!
Be prepared, if you touch mammon, you could end up in jail, BUT God is faithful, as His messenger, He’ll probably get ya out! In the meantime, get the prisoners and jailers saved. As much as is in you, preach the gospel! You have seed in you that has the potential to grow a forest of trees. Each person is an influencer, a part of a greater picture, a family member, who needs the word of God to save them, from their sins.
The city officials and jailers apologized to them. Things are not always as they seem in the long-run, just wait and see the salvation of the Lord!
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