Jesus is the only way – Be Still…

Acts 6:1-15 – People Will Be People

What we see in this reading is people acting in ways you might expect. If feeling attacked, one might lash out, placing blame on others. If threatened or misinformed, one might be prone to acting out of revenge or seeking control. Perhaps even lying to get their way becomes an option.

In any event, we see how human nature can wreak havoc on a growing ministry. We also see how the leadership handled grumbling in a way that made sense for a growing membership of believers. You’ve probably seen it in your own ministry groups. Leaders are often over-utilized to handle more than they should. Continue reading “Acts 6:1-15 – People Will Be People”

John 14:1-31 – Great Wisdom

Read John 14:1-31

What a reading full of great wisdom! Jesus knew his time with his disciples was winding down, but the truths he had to share seemed only to be ramping up. Does that ever happen to you? You’re trying to say goodbye to loved ones, and yet you can hardly part with them, thinking of one more thing to say or one more hug to share.

What spoke to you most in this reading? It probably depends on what is happening in your life right now. Hearing Jesus bring comfort can touch us all at our point of need. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” Jesus doesn’t want us to let the troubles of the world get us down. Continue reading “John 14:1-31 – Great Wisdom”

Acts 4:12 – No Other Way

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The name of Jesus is powerful. It saves us awful sinners from death and eternal destruction. Nobody but Jesus can save us. This verse is a bold declaration to boost our trust and assurance. Why is it that so many people don’t understand this truth? Do you ever feel like you are the only one?

Context: Peter and John had been busy healing and teaching people that through Jesus there is resurrection of the dead. This upset some priests and Sadducees, who then confronted Peter and John and threw them in jail. When brought before the religious leaders to defend themselves, the Holy Spirit took over, and Peter called out the name of Jesus, giving him all the credit for such healings and salvation. The religious leaders were amazed yet knew they had to take control of the situation. Continue reading “Acts 4:12 – No Other Way”

Ezekiel 29:1-16 – Egypt Beware!

Read Ezekiel 29:1-16

You may have noticed the time stamp of this reading comes before Ezekiel’s previous message to Tyre. And while after the prophecy about Jerusalem’s fall in the 9^th year of captivity, the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians was not yet complete. This timeline sheds some light on the mindset of the audience hearing these words from Ezekiel in real time.

The siege on Jerusalem would be underway, however there would still be hope among the exiles and those remaining in Judah that rescue would still happen. Historically, the Israelites looked to Egyptian power and protection rather than trusting in God’s plan. This prophecy would send the message that Egypt was not the proper choice. Egypt, too, was a target of the LORD’s judgment and would not be coming to set them free from the Babylonian conquest. Continue reading “Ezekiel 29:1-16 – Egypt Beware!”

Ezekiel 27:1-25 – Is a Good Reputation Enough?

Read Ezekiel 27:1-25

Tyre sounds like quite the bustling port city, seeing wealth and making trades most people in the region would only dream of. From the LORD’s description, Tyre was well respected had quite a lot to boast about. Having a good reputation is key in a lot of areas of life.

Yes, this is the same nation that our last reading plans to destroy. It’s good for us to get a glimpse of life in those days. There was no internet sales or drop shipping. We still see trade by import/export these days, but generally there is some sort of currency involved. I can only imagine a day when you’d trade a loaf of bread for a dozen eggs, depending on what you produced and needed. Continue reading “Ezekiel 27:1-25 – Is a Good Reputation Enough?”