God uses us – Be Still…

Acts 20:1-16 – Don’t Stop Now!

We meet up with Paul here right after the riots in Ephesus. Paul had made quite a stir within the community, talking about Jesus and denouncing all the false gods that had brought a livelihood for so many. Because of his faith and unpopular message with some, Paul was not a popular person. Do you ever feel like you’re an outcast because you speak the name of Jesus?

In this reading, we see that Paul didn’t skip a beat. He didn’t let the noise of the crowd deter him from his mission. He had told the Corinthians in his first letter that he’d be leaving Ephesus after Pentecost and heading to Macedonia. Paul’s travel plans had changed a bit as he now wanted to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost. No matter what, Paul continued to encourage people along the way. We can learn a lot from Paul’s determination. Continue reading “Acts 20:1-16 – Don’t Stop Now!”

Galatians 1:1-24 – The True Gospel

Read Galatians 1:1-24

We’re taking a short detour from the Book of Acts to pick up one of Paul’s letters to the people in Galatia. Paul used letters as a way of communicating with believers to encourage them and keep them on track. He was well acquainted with how the world offered little support to Christians. Paul also knew how fragile the faith of new believers could be if challenged. Since Paul couldn’t stay in one place for long, he hoped his letters would fill in the gaps.

Paul’s letter starts with a blessing and a reminder of who Jesus is. The tone then shifts to astonishment and correction about the Good News these people have started following. Paul was “shocked.” Was it because of how quickly they turned away or that they didn’t know any better to ignore a contrary message? Continue reading “Galatians 1:1-24 – The True Gospel”

Mark 6:14-29 – Brutal Death

Read Mark 6:14-29

We haven’t heard much about John the Baptist’s ministry since our first reading in Mark. The account of John’s death would have made an impact on many people. You’ll recall John had been the one God chose to announce Jesus’ coming into the world. John’s ministry encouraged his fellow Jews to repent, turn from their sins, and be baptized.

Herod Antipas was the Jewish king of the land in those days, and we learn here that he respected John as a holy man. Can you imagine the anguish he felt when he had to order John’s death? Never in a million years had he thought his daughter would ask for such a thing as the appreciation gift for her dance. What a barbaric request! Continue reading “Mark 6:14-29 – Brutal Death”

Ezekiel 25:1-17 – Watch Out!

Read Ezekiel 25:1-17

God’s actions against Judah were not a laughing matter but serious business. The Sovereign LORD does not move in any way by accident. These messages were for Ezekiel to share with foreign nations. How did they respond to the LORD’s actions? Continue reading “Ezekiel 25:1-17 – Watch Out!”

Ezra 1:1-4 – Prophecy Fulfilled

Read Ezra 1:1-4

It had been seventy years, and now we see how God kept the promise he had given in Jeremiah’s prophecy. The time of captivity in Babylon was coming to an end. The new ruler, Cyrus, had been prompted by God to allow the exiles to return to their homeland. What a proclamation this is!

The Book of Ezra chronicles this return and how the people begin to rebuild their lives. We’ll read about the restoration of God’s people as they retell old stories and address new situations along the way. Would God’s promises still hold true? Had the people forgotten God during their time of exile?