Be Still…

Read Acts 21:15-25

Paul and friends have arrived safely in Jerusalem. That was Paul’s plan. You may recall Paul had many people begging him not to go to Jerusalem due to prophecies of harm to come his way. Paul is set on his mission, has listened to his own messages from the Spirit, yet knows he is where is supposed to be.

Sometimes we need to move out of our comfort zones for God’s kingdom. It’s easy to stay where it’s safe and secure. But we miss out on so much great ministry if we stay where it’s comfortable. I am learning that more and more as I grow in my relationship with God. He wants me to step into the unknown with boldness. Moving to a new country with an openness to be used by him is a great example of how we are listening to his call. Continue reading “Acts 21:15-25 – Our Jewish Roots”

Read Acts 21:1-14

I just love how God works in and around us. Before I retired and had more time on my hands, I missed seeing God at work. He was working, but I just wasn’t seeing. I wasn’t looking. That’s really sad because I know a lot of my friends are in that same place. Going through the motions but not really seeing God’s hand at work. Not feeling his presence spark inside them.

We see Paul today totally focused and ready for anything. He knew before he was told that he was about to suffer. He was fearless for Jesus. He was probably more fearful of not obeying his call or mission. Do we fear disobedience enough? Are we being obedient to what God wants for each of us? Continue reading “Acts 21:1-14 – The Lord’s Will Be Done”

Read Acts 20:13-38

Notice I didn’t use “Au revoir” in the title. That would be French for “until we meet again.” Paul is saying his final goodbyes here to the leaders he met in Ephesus. Maybe it’s just me, but I got a little teary as I read his words. He truly loves them, but his love for the Lord is greater still.

How many times have you had to say goodbye to friends and loved ones during your life? It never gets easier for me. We’ve left whole congregations behind as we followed God’s plan for us. I know how Paul feels. He has been a nurturer and watched many lives be changed as the Holy Spirit took over. To never see those people again, to not be able to watch their faith grow, to not be a part of their lives. Continue reading “Acts 20:13-38 – Adios, Good Bye, Auf Wiedersehen”

Read Acts 20:1-12

Paul’s ministry is so Spirit-filled and vibrant. He now has new people traveling with him. We even see that Luke has rejoined the traveling party. In so much as God is part of these journeys, evil has always been close at hand to try to thwart the efforts of these disciples and apostles. How faithful our God is to continue to fight the battle for us today. Our defense against evil must be strong enough so that it is our offense of the light that prevails.

One great lesson for the church today and the church in Paul’s time is to witness giving and how precious that is. While not totally spelled out in the text here, we understand that the men traveling with Paul right now have joined forces on the path to Jerusalem. You’ll note their hometowns have all been referenced in our recent accounts of Paul’s journey. These are places he’s visited, where churches have been born. The new churches are now showing their faithfulness by giving their offerings. These gifts and tithes will be personally hand delivered to the Holy City, Jerusalem. Continue reading “Acts 20:1-12 – Encouragement”

Read Acts 19:21-41

We see some serious backlash in today’s reading. There will always be people that don’t choose to follow Christ. Think of the conflict going on for those working with the silversmith with the contract for all the goddess shrines. It’s one thing to watch your business start to evaporate. What happens when you believe in God’s word and realize your job is a lie?

It sounds like the former was the case here. Not only did they fear lost wages but also their beloved goddess was losing her credibility. For those listening to Paul and believing his message, Artemis’ credibility was shot. So, thanks to the silversmith,  Demetrius, the community is in chaos and a riot ensues. Paul wants desperately to sort it all out, but thankfully other believers keep him out of harm’s way. Continue reading “Acts 19:21-41 – Unhappy People”